In Pics: Mundu-clad PM Modi holds roadshow in Kochi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Kerala, was given a warm welcome on Monday in Kochi as people lined up on both sides of the route of his road show.

The PM sported traditional Kerala attire - a kasavu mundu, a shawl and a kurta for the road show on foot. Thousands of people including the BJP workers lined up on both sides of the road from the INS Garuda naval air station to the venue of a programme.

The BJP workers and fans of different age groups and different parts of the state arrived three-four hours before the roadshow began. They welcomed him by showering flower petals.

He started off the roadshow on foot, eventually getting onto his SUV to wave back at the enthusiastic BJP workers and supporters.

The nearly two-km stretch was filled with the BJP flags and posters. The party workers wore party hats and held placards with the PM's photographs. The 'Modi Modi' chant was heard everywhere.

The area was decked up with big cutouts of PM Modi and posters projecting the programmes he is scheduled to attend in Kerala.

Former Defence Minister A K Antony's son Anil, who quit the Congress recently and joined the BJP, former Rajya Sabha MP Suresh Gopi and actors Unni Mukundan and Aparna Balamurali are some of the dignitaries who arrived at the venue to greet the Prime Minister.

PM Slams Left, Congress
Addressing a gathering at Yuvam Conclave, the PM said that the clash between the two ideologies is affecting Kerala.

"Kerala is being harmed a lot due to the conflict between two ideologies. One ideology believes that their interest is above Kerala. Other ideology keeps a family above anything else. These two promote violence and corruption. The youth of Kerala of youth needs to work hard to defeat these two ideologies," he said.

He continued, "On one hand, we are working hard to increase the exports of India. On the other hand, in Kerala, some are working hard to smuggle gold. The youth of Kerala are very well aware that the people in power are playing with their future."

With inputs from agencies