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Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned Thrissur’s iconic Swaraj Round into a sea of saffron on Sunday, leading a colourful roadshow that injected fresh momentum into the NDA’s election campaign in the district. Arriving in the city after addressing a public meeting in Palakkad, the Prime Minister landed at the helipad of C. Achutha Menon Government College, Kuttanellur, at around 4.30 p.m., where he was received by Union Minister Suresh Gopi and senior BJP leaders. From there, he travelled by road to the city centre.
The roadshow began from the District Hospital junction on Swaraj Round and covered nearly 900 metres up to Bini Junction in about 20 minutes. Modi, standing in an open vehicle, greeted the crowds as thousands lined the route, chanting slogans. Supporters showered him with saffron and yellow marigold petals throughout the procession, creating a festive and vibrant atmosphere.
Around 50,000 people thronged the Swaraj Round and adjoining streets, braving the scorching sun. People dressed in the costumes of traditional art forms such as Kummatti Kali, Pulikali, Margamkali and Kathakali greeted the Prime Minister, blending politics with Kerala’s cultural spectacle.
BJP workers had begun pouring into the city from early morning. “The energy is unmatched. Modi’s presence itself gives us confidence,” said a party worker waiting near the venue.
Only three candidates accompanied the Prime Minister in the open vehicle, signalling the NDA’s key focus areas. Alongside Suresh Gopi were candidates Padmaja Venugopal (Thrissur), K.K. Aneesh Kumar (Manalur) and C.C. Mukundan (Nattika).
Padmaja Venugopal, a former Congress candidate, is now contesting for the BJP in Thrissur, while C.C. Mukundan, who recently left the CPI, represents the NDA in Nattika. K.K. Aneesh Kumar, BJP’s state vice-president, is contesting from Manalur.
Pinning hopes on Thrissur
The BJP is pinning its hopes heavily on Thrissur after its historic Lok Sabha victory in 2024, when Suresh Gopi won the seat by a margin of around 75,000 votes. The Prime Minister had visited the constituency multiple times ahead of that election — a strategy party leaders believe paid off. “People once wondered why Modi kept coming to Thrissur. The Lok Sabha result was the answer,” a BJP leader said. “This time too, his visit has put our campaign in top gear.”
Mr. Modi’s supporters echoed the sentiment. “The NDA has strong prospects in Thrissur this time. Otherwise, why would the Prime Minister come here again?” asked Sreelakshmi S. from Kodungallur, who arrived in the city early in the day. “Wherever he campaigns, victory follows. It happened here in 2024, and it will happen again.”
Party workers say the roadshow has given a decisive boost to the NDA’s campaign. “When Modi visited last time, Thrissur came out in full support. This time too, it will,” said a BJP supporter, reflecting the growing confidence within the ranks.
With high-decibel campaigning and renewed energy on the ground, Thrissur has once again emerged as a key battleground — and the NDA is leaving no stone unturned to make a decisive breakthrough.
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