To catch a glimpse of Modi, they came from far and wide, even on wheel-chairs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech in Bengaluru's sub-urban Kengeri satellite town was awaited one. The rally venue was dotted with saffron caps, flags and people were seen wearing Modi masks. As usual PM Modi began his speech in Kannada, needless to say, he recalled eminent personalities of Bengaluru, that was enough to get a frenzied response from the crowd. Union Minister Ananth Kumar proved impeccable translator throughout PM's speech.

Wheelchair-bound Professor M K Sridhar came from Jayanagar to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally in Kengeri.

Asked about his reaction to PM Modi's speech, Sridhar said, "He (PM Modi) did not attack individuals, but highlighted issues of the city. It's good to see he recalled eminent personalities of the city. I feel it was not just a speech, there is an emotional connection."

About issues covered in the speech, he said that the speech was focused on youngsters, women, and development of the city.

Calling himself a BJP sympathizer, Sridhar said, " PM should have convinced more on why we should vote for the BJP?"

Middle-aged man Niranjan from Ullal sub-urban, said, "There is clarity of ideas in his speech. I am not here find mistakes in his speech."

"I am not bothered about politicians attacking each other in an election speech, that is up to politicians," Niranjan added.

About the hysteria of Modi wave ahead of the election, he said, " I can't say speech leads to Modi wave. Every voter has his/her own political preferences. Only election result can tell whether there was Modi wave or not."

A group of people from Gonipur village near Kengeri were in fully agreed with problems the city is facing. They admitted that the city has turned into crime capital, bugged by traffic problem and pollution.

The villagers looked overwhelmed by PM's speech, they attacked the incumbent Congress government. " Why is Congress asking votes previous BJP government's failures? Can't they seek votes for their work?"

They loathed welfare schemes introduced the state government. "They (Congress) boast of Anna Bhaghya and Indira canteen. These schemes are the outcome of our money. Why can't Siddaramaiah have same food prepared in Indira Canteen at Vidhan Soudha?"

One woman in the group was happy to see get a glimpse of PM Modi. Nagaratna said, "I came to see Modi. Wanted to see him speaking. I don't understand Hindi perfectly. But I can understand a bit, he is a wonderful speaker."

A Youngman from Abbigere village said, " I have listened to him in Mysore. Most of the issues were repetition for me except that he highlighted the issues of Bengaluru. No other party can attract youths like PM Modi."

A group of friends from Dasarahalli village were waiting for a bus to go home. One of them said, " As far as I know, Modi has more fan following in Karnataka than any other state. More than BJP, I am impressed by his style of work."

He said, "This is not a new experience for me. In fact, I have seen him in Parliament during Railway Budget. Still, I don't miss his rallies. He proudly said that he came along with his friends on their own. We don't need the party to arrange transportation for us. We just don't need it."

About the differences in Rahul Gandhi and PM Modi's speech, he said, " Both Rahul Gandhi and PM Modi begin their speech in Kannada. Unlike Modi, Rahul Gandhi struggled to pronounce 'Vishweshwarayya'. Also, I didn't see Rahul Gandhi highlighting local issues in speech."

About attacking the JD(S) a day after praising HD Deve Gowda, he said, "Yes, Modi attacked the party, but it's is not a personal attack against Deve Gowda. Modi still reveres Deve Gowda. Modiji's has rightly said that JDS is not an alternative in Karnataka."