Amid Ongoing Anti-CAA Protests, PM Modi To Reach Kolkata Today For 2-Day Visit

Tight security arrangement has been made for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2-day visit to Kolkata as several outfits have threatened to protest against him over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). According to reports, protesters have planned a roadblock near the airport, 'Go Back PM' demonstrations across the city, and a dharna at Raj Bhavan. Meanwhile, reports are coming that his arrival to the airport has been advanced by an hour over security concerns. This would enable him to a helicopter ride to the city without any fuss.

PM Modi was earlier scheduled to arrive at 5 pm at the Kolkata airport and go straight to the Old Currency Building in central Kolkata for an official programme. But as per the changed schedule, he will now arrive by an Indian Air Force flight at 4 pm, and then he would be flown in a helicopter to the city's Race Course, reported IANS.

Last-Minute Changes Expected

The report also said that there could be last-minute changes in Modi’s schedule in view of intensifying protests in the city and the rest of Bengal on the issue new the Citizenship Act and the recent violence in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is one of the strongest critics of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR). She has been holding protests off late across the state and assured the people that she will not allow anyone to snatch their rights.

PM Modi Will Attend These Functions

On Saturday, PM Modi will dedicate to the nation four refurbished heritage buildings in Kolkata. These are the Old Currency Building, the Belvedere House, the Metcalfe House, and the Victoria Memorial Hall. The Culture Ministry has renovated these iconic galleries and refurbished them with new exhibitions, while curating the old galleries.

PM Modi will also participate in the sesquicentenary celebrations of the Kolkata Port Trust on Saturday and Sunday. He will be handing over a cheque of Rs 501 crore towards the final installment to meet the deficit of pension fund of retired and existing employees of the Kolkata Port Trust, the statement said.

PM Modi will also be felicitating two oldest pensioners of the Kolkata Port Trust -- Nagina Bhagat, 105, and Naresh Chandra Chakraborty, 100. He will also launch the Port anthem during the event.

Besides, PM Modi will unveil a plaque of 150 years of commemorative installation at the site of the original Port jetties.

PM Modi will also inaugurate the upgraded ship repair facility of the Cochin Kolkata Ship Repair Unit at Netaji Subhas Dry Dock.

PM Modi will inaugurate the full rake handling facility while dedicating the upgraded railway infrastructure of Kolkata Dock System of KoPT for smooth cargo movement and improving turnaround time.

A mechanisation of berth number 3 at the Haldia Dock Complex of KoPT and a proposed riverfront development scheme will also be launched by PM Modi.

In another event, PM Modi will inaugurate Kaushal Vikas Kendra and Pritilata Chhatri Avas for 200 tribal girl students of Sunderbans.

With PTI Inputs