Amid much fanfare and energetic demonstration of support, Bharatiya Janata Party prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi began his road show in Vadodara, ahead of his nomination from the constituency on Wednesday.
Mr. Modi's cavalcade drove through packed streets as BJP supporters put up an elaborate show for his welcome. Traditional dance and folk music performances raised the pitch of the rally. Many came dressed in ethnic attire to accord a ceremonial welcome to Mr. Modi.
"In Vadodara, Mr. Modi will post a historical victory. There is great excitement among party workers. The Congress is trying all means to get publicity even if it means climbing poles," Saurabh Patel, State minister for Industries said.
Mr. Patel was referring to Vadodara's Congress candidate Madhusudhan Mistry's recent attempt to tear the Gujarat chief minister's posters, for which he was arrested.
Stringent security arrangements were in place, marked by a heavy police deployment and barricading along the route of the road show, as Mr. Modi enjoys 'Z plus' security. Shops downed their shutters.
Modi masks, placards and banners streaked the streets of Vadodara.
"We want to see Mr. Modi as PM. Youths from all over India support him," Jay Jangla, insurance professional said.
In a bid to showcase Muslim support for Mr. Modi, a section of BJP supporters from the minority community staged a separate photo-op.
"The Muslims have prospered more in Gujarat compared to their counterparts in other States. There is just a phobia being created about Mr. Modi," Khalid Mallik, a businessman said.
"The Congress is just trying to play politics by making an issue out of Mr. Modi," said Farid Khan Pathan of Vadodara.
Members of the Vadodara-based Anya Bhasha Hashi Cell of the BJP, that tries to drum up support for Mr. Modi among southern and Hindi language speakers, also came to support the road show.
"Mr. Modi has established his presence in the south too," Murili Nair of the Bhasha Cell said.