Ahmedabad erupts in joy for its favorite leader Narendra Modi

Early Friday evening, the number of media persons present at the headquarters of the BJP’s state unit was more than those from the party. But the mood started changing and party workers started pouring in as the party’s parliamentary board meeting started in New Delhi. And around three hours later, the place crowded with party workers and leaders erupted in joy as Narendra Modi was announced as the party’s prime ministerial candidate for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

As BJP cadre and leaders started rushing to the headquarters, a few supporters of Modi, but not members of the BJP – under the umbrella of Narendra Modi Fan Club — came there. But they left without joining the celebrations. “We don’t want to be recognised as BJP supporters. We support him (Modi). We will celebrate his appointment as PM candidate from a distance,” Rajiv Chhajer, convener of the fan club, said.

Among senior leaders, former national vice president Parshottam Rupala arrived first. Even before the official announcement was made in Delhi, Rupala said, “Modi is a tested and trusted leader. I believe that his appointment reflects the mood of the nation... I think he will get more support from all regions of the country.”

He rushed to the first floor of the building. He was joined by state BJP chief RC Faldu, state minister Pradipsinh Jadeja and other party functionaries. All of them sat glued to the TV screens anxiously waiting for the big announcement in Delhi.

Meanwhile, the crowd outside started swelling, ready for celebration. “He is a man of development. He talks development and works for development. I have been working for BJP for four years now. It is his time and we must support him,” Gulam Hussain, a businessman present at the venue, said.

Soon, slogan shouting rendered the air and some workers started dancing. In the distance, procession carried out by Narendra Modi fan club could be seen.

And finally around 6.30 pm, fire crackers started bursting and the whole crowd erupted in joy when BJP president Rajnath Singh officially announced Modi’s annoitment as the party’s prime ministerial candidate. The mood became vibrant, with workers greeted each other with a hug and shake hands.

For them, this was just the beginning of a long celebration.