A stage collapse during a roadshow featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gorakhpur Jabalpur led to a chaotic scene, leaving several people injured. City Superintendent of Police HR Pandey provided details, stating that a welcome stage had been erected on the roadside along the Rampur-Gorakhpur road. As the Prime Minister’s vehicle passed in front of the stage, eager individuals climbed onto it to catch a glimpse of him, resulting in the stage giving way.
The collapse occurred soon after the Prime Minister’s convoy moved forward, causing injuries to seven people. Among the injured, four individuals, including a girl and a policeman, sustained fractures in their hands and legs, while three women suffered minor injuries. The incident caused temporary chaos during the roadshow, but security personnel promptly brought the situation under control, ensuring the safety of all.
During the roadshow, enthusiastic crowds raised slogans of ‘Abki Baar 400 Paar’ (This time, over 400 seats) and ‘Jai Shri Ram’ (Hail Lord Rama), expressing their support for PM Modi. The Prime Minister reciprocated the enthusiasm by greeting the crowd with folded hands.
The roadshow commenced from Bhagat Singh Square at 6:40 pm, accompanied by religious chants. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, state government minister, local MLA Rakesh Singh, and Lok Sabha candidate Ashish Dubey joined PM Modi in the vehicle.
Throughout the roadshow’s 1.2 km route, many people gathered on balconies and rooftops of houses built along the roadside. In many places, women performed traditional dances and offered Aarti (ritualistic worship) to Prime Minister Modi. Houses displayed posters with the slogan ‘Hamara Parivar Modi Parivar’ (Our family is the Modi family). In contrast, banners and posters adorned both sides of the road, extending a warm welcome to the Prime Minister.
The first phase of Lok Sabha elections in the state is scheduled for April 19. It covers six seats, including four Lok Sabha seats in the Mahakoshal region.
The roadshow route was heavily secured with two layers of barricades covered in saffron-coloured cloth. Stringent security arrangements involved 40 SPG commandos, 20 IPS officers, and 3000 jawans (soldiers). The roadshow concluded after approximately 45 minutes upon reaching Adi Shankaracharya Chowk.
