Modi to visit city next week, BJP ready to sound poll bugle

Prime minister Narendra Modi will visit the city next week to inaugurate a host of infrastructure projects

Prime minister Narendra Modi will visit the city next week to inaugurate a host of infrastructure projects. The BJP is likely to use this opportunity to kick-start its campaign for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls.

New Delhi, India - Dec. 13, 2022: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Senior leader Sonia Gandhi, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, and others during a tribute ceremony to pay homage to martyrs who lost their lives in the 2001 Parliament attack on its 21st anniversary, at Parliament House complex in New Delhi, India, on Tuesday, December 13, 2022. (Photo by Ajay Aggarwal/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times)

Officials said a public function will either be held on January 18 or 19 at the MMRDA grounds in Bandra Kurla Complex. Chief minister Eknath Shinde and deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, who are scheduled to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos from January 15-19, may have to tweak their plan.

Modi is expected to flag off Metro 2A between Dahisar (West) and Andheri (West) and Metro 7 connecting Dahisar (East) to Andheri (East) and the latter to Sahar airport. Former CM Uddhav Thackeray had opened the first phase of Metro 2A and 7.

The PM will also inaugurate the Navi Mumbai Metro constructed by the City and Industrial Development Corporation. The 5.96-km line connects Central Park and Belapur.

Modi will also do the bhoomi pujan of seven sewerage treatment plants of the BMC and a cancer hospital in Thane. The hospital is Shinde’s pet project.

BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar, who is in-charge of the BMC poll campaign, said, “Mumbai is eager to welcome the PM. Modiji has supported projects like Coastal Road, Metro, Ambedkar memorial, Shivaji memorial, and augmentation of suburban railway lines.’’