Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Ayodhya visit: Prayer at Ram Temple, roadshow on agenda | Key details below

PTC News Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Ayodhya marks a significant moment in the wake of the consecration ceremony of Lord Ram Lalla in the newly constructed Ram Janmabhoomi Temple earlier this year.

Scheduled amidst the fervor of Lok Sabha election campaigns, this visit holds both political and religious significance.

#WATCH | Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: On PM Modi's visit and roadshow in Ayodhya today, Chief Priest of Ram Janmabhoomi temple, Acharya Satyendra Das says, "… This is the first time that he (PM Modi) is coming after the Pran Pratishtha… He will do Darshan first and then there will… pic.twitter.com/5AoyEsikuw

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Arriving in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday evening, PM Modi is set to commence his itinerary with a public meeting in the Samajwadi Party stronghold of Etawah at approximately 2:45 pm, followed by another rally in Dhaurahra around 4:45 pm. Later in the evening, he will make his way to Ayodhya, where he will engage in prayers and perform puja at the revered Ram Mandir around 7:00 pm.

The highlight of the visit is a grand roadshow, spanning nearly 2 kilometers along the Ram Path, starting from Sugriva Fort and culminating at Lata Chowk. The route is meticulously planned, divided into 40 blocks, each representing diverse sections of society including Sindhis, Punjabis, farmers, and women in traditional attire. Along the way, cultural programs will enliven the atmosphere, with floral tributes adorning the path of the procession.

Preparations in Ayodhya are in full swing, with gate number 11 of the Ram Mandir and the surrounding approach roads bedecked with colorful flowers and flags. Security measures have been intensified, with the presence of police and Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) commandos ensuring a safe environment for the event.

Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, expressed excitement over the impending visit, highlighting the elaborate arrangements made to welcome PM Modi. He emphasized the significance of this visit, being the Prime Minister’s first since the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony, and stressed the involvement of Ayodhya’s seers and mahants in accompanying him during the roadshow.

Regarding security, Ayodhya Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Raj Karan Nayyar outlined the meticulous zoning of the area into sectors and sub-sectors to ensure smooth proceedings during PM Modi’s visit.

Amidst the political backdrop, Uttar Pradesh is gearing up for the third phase of voting on May 7, encompassing 10 Lok Sabha constituencies. Notably, Ayodhya will cast its votes in the fifth phase on May 20, adding a layer of significance to PM Modi’s visit in the midst of the electoral buzz.