Ahmedabad:

BJP president Amit Shah was accorded grand welcome at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport here today on arrival for his first visit to his home-state Gujarat after the spectacular victory of his party in Uttar Pradesh and Uttrakhand assembly polls and formation of its government in four states including Manipuar and Goa.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and his cabinet colleagues, state BJP president Jeetu Vaghani and other leaders of the ruling party, BJYM president Rutviz Patel and others welcomed Shah as soon as he arrived here. He was garlanded by BJYM leaders amid the rhythmic sounds of drum beats and patriotic songs and chanting of slogans. Former Chief Minister Anandiben Patel was also present there.

Workers of BJYM, the youth wing of the party and those from its woman wing made a human chain to welcome Shah, who is being dubbed as one of the two architects (the other being PM Narendra Modi) of the recent grand win of the party.

Shah, later moved to circuit house in Shahibaug, from where he moved to Sabarmati riverfront to address Vijay Vishwas sammelan (a workers meet) likely to be attended by around one lakh people from across Gujarat.

For this event a spectacular pandal and dome spread in a length of around 1 km has been made at the riverfront. Looking at the current nonseasonal heat-wave conditions here the party has made arrangements for free distribution of kits containing re-hydrating liquids including butter milk and other things.

Later CM Rupani told newsmen that the great enthusiasm to welcome Amitbhai, the hero of recent election wins was evidence of the love of people for the son of Gujarat and the ‘very own’ of Gujarati people.

Shah during his three day Gujarat visit will also participate in the proceedings of Gujarat Assembly tomorrow after a period of around two years.

State BJP presidnet Jeetu Vaghani said that Shah was present in the house in the capacity of MLA from Naranpura constituency of Ahmedabad, on March 16, 2015 during the sixth session of the assembly last time.

Shah is also expected to hold meetings with key party leaders during his stay in the view of the crucial poll preparations of the ruling party for the Gujarat Assembly elections due to be held in December this year.

He will also participate in some other events and inaugurations in his constituency.

DeshGujarat