US president curtails India visit after PMO rejects Punjab and Karnataka tour?

BJP orders one lakh supporters to be present for the event

Constructs wall to hide slums located near Trump’s tour way

After India dismissed United States of America’s President Donald Trump’s desire to visit Punjab and Karnataka, the White House has reduced President’s visit to India from proposed four days to two days only. 

New Delhi: There is a buzz in the power corridors of New Delhi, as according to highly placed sources from Delhi, the White House has curtailed US President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to India by two days from anticipated four days. The White House preferred the US President to visit Karnataka and Punjab apart from Gujarat. However, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wished Trump to visit states which are ruled by BJP only. Thus request for Punjab was rejected citing security issues and southern states was deemed unfit. Meanwhile, it was claimed by the BJP sources that PMO is also not happy with Trump’s only two days visit.

Trump is visiting Ahmedabad on February 24 and the ruling BJP government in Gujarat has planned a huge greeting of Trump. An event ‘Kem Cho Trump’ (Howdy Trump) at Motera stadium in Ahmedabad has been organised by the BJP. The party sources argued the party leaders have ordered at least one lakh party supporters should be present at the stadium from 10.30 am. The state of the art stadium which has been rebuilt rivals Eden Gardens in Kolkatta and Melbourne cricket ground in Australia.

Also Read: President Donald Trump’s visit to further strengthen strategic ties: India

The sources from Delhi claimed, India had suggested a four-day visit invitation to Trump. The invitation was Trump would visit New Delhi with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Agra in Uttar Pradesh and Ahmedabad in Gujarat.

The highly placed source claimed the White House team requested a visit to Punjab and a state from South India. “President Trump wished to influence Punjabi community in the US for their votes, as well as garner support from South Indian communities especially software engineers for their backing to him in the 2020 Presidential polls,” claimed the source.

The sources further claimed, “Prime Minister Office (PMO) received letters from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Yogi Adityanath and Karnataka CM BS Yeddyurappa showing their interest to host Trump. Yeddyurappa wanted US investment in IT sector of Bengaluru, while Yogi wanted US strategic partnership in UP’s defence production. PMO was at its wit’s end. Thus, both were rejected and consoled personally by Modi.”

After India rejected Trump’s visit to US desired regions – White House lined a swift two-day visit. Trump reaches India on February 23 night, he will visit Gujarat on 24 and New Delhi on 25. Trump will fly out for the US the same night. The First Lady Melanie Trump will visit Taj Mahal.

President Trump’s schedule 

Meetings in Delhi with Trump – ministry of power (Petronet LNG deal), ministry of defence (Seahawk helicopter deal), ministry of external affairs (Iran) and a formal meeting with PM.

Gujarat constructs wall to hide slums

Meanwhile, The Hindu from Ahmedabad has reported that the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation constructed walls to hide slums along the street from which the convoy of US President Donald Trump will pass. However, Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Vijay Nehra had denied such claims and said the decision to build a wall to prevent enthronement on the road was taken two months back and has nothing to do with the visit of US President.