BJP goes all out for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first Mumbai rally today

MUMBAI: The BJP has left no stone unturned for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally, 'Sinh Garjana' (lion's roar), at the racecourse on Saturday. Since the event comes a day after Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray's address to cadres, the BJP will use its organizational might to show its "strength", said a source.

The rally assumes importance since it is Modi's first rally in the city after taking office and it comes in the wake of the party snapping ties with the Sena. "Modi is expected to dwell on his US state visit and the development of Maharashtra. Instead of criticizing the Sena, he will mention Chhattrapati Shivaji in his speech," a source said.

The state polls have become a prestige issue for the BJP and its heavyweights are being pressed into service. Union minister Nitin Gadkari and party veteran L K Advani are expected to address about 36 and six rallies respectively in Maharashtra. BJP chief Amit Shah and Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu will also pitch in. MPs Hema Malini, Vinod Khanna and Shatrughan Sinha will campaign extensively in the state.