Only handful from foreign missions show up at Narendra Modi rally

Contrary to Delhi BJP's claims that diplomats from around 36 foreign missions would attend Narendra Modi's rally, only a handful of them showed up today.

A special stage adjacent to the main dais was put to accommodate foreign dignitaries but it saw not more than 10 persons in attendance. Many of the delegates left the venue before Modi's speech got over and chose not to speak to the media.

BJP's Overseas Cell Convenor Vijay Jolly had earlier said invitation was extended to over 50 foreign missions out of which 36 have confirmed their participation.

Despite the dismal response, Jolly said, "a large number of foreign delegates attending BJP's rally is an example of growing popularity of our party.

"We want to reach out to global community because Modi's mantra could not be confined to Delhi or national level. That mantra goes across the border. Our endeavour was that foreign delegates should feel the pulse of the nation." BJP had also invited the American ambassador to Modi's rally notwithstanding the denial of visa to the Gujarat Chief Minister by the US.

After Modi was anointed BJP's prime ministerial candidate on September 14, the US had said that there was no change in its visa policy with regard to the BJP leader and that he was welcome to apply for the same.

In 2005, the US had denied Modi a diplomatic visa and revoked his existing tourist/business visa over allegations of human rights violations during the 2002 riots in Gujarat.

Britain had ended its decade-long boycott of Modi nearly a year ago but maintained that engagement with the Gujarat Chief Minister was not an endorsement of him.

Invitations for the rally were sent to embassies of various European countries, African nations and countries of the neighbourhood.