3,000 police personnel on duty ahead of Shah’s visit today

After participating in a government function at Kalaivanar Arangam where he would launch various programmes, including Thervoy Kandigai reservoir and Phase- II of the Chennai Metro Rail, Shah would interact with the BJP office-bearers and the district in-charges on further strengthening the party for the upcoming polls, besides the core committee members at a star hotel.

Since this is Shah’s first visit to the city after L Murugan took over as the BJP State unit chief, the party is expected to give a grand reception to him right from the airport by following all COVID protocols, including social distancing norms, sources said. The Home Minister is also expected to meet Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, and hold talks with them on further strengthening the alliance. His visit assumes significance as the saffron party was planning to gain a foothold in Tamil Nadu--traditionally a fortress of the two Dravidian majors, AIADMK and the DMK--by replicating the Bihar’s success formula here.

The BJP, which has been steadfastly maintaining that its alliance with the ruling AIADMK will continue for the Assembly polls despite the State government refusing permission for the Vetri Vel Yatra and opposing some of the Centre’s policies that went against the interests of Tamil Nadu, will be looking to gain a foothold in the State by entering the Assembly with good numbers.