AYODHYA: PM Narendra Modi is likely to inaugurate the 10-day Diwali celebrations in Ayodhya, which is slated to be a dazzling show — the last mega Deepotsav of chief minister Yogi Adityanath’s current tenure. With Ayodhya turning into the epicentre of UP’s electoral dynamics, Modi’s visit is likely to raise BJP’s Ram temple pitch to a crescendo, before the party moves into highdecibel electioneering, say experts.
Sources told TOI the PM is likely to open Ayodhya’s Deepotsav on November 3, setting the stage for the longest Diwali celebrations by the Yogi Adiyanath’s government. Top officials of the tourism and culture department and Ayodhya Development Authority have begun preparations on a war footing for the event, which will also witness a new Guinness record of lighting 6.5lakh diyas.
Though Ayodhya Development Authority vicechairman Vishal Singh did not officially confirm the PM’s itinerary, he said, “We will be fortunate to have the PM in Ayodhya again.” Diwali celebrations in the temple town will be very special this year with the Deepotsav theme likely to be designed by Nitin Chandrakant Desai, the brain behind magnificent sets of several Bollywood blockbusters. “Desai’s proposal to design Deepotsav sets has been forwarded to the state government for approval. A decision will be taken soon,” said Singh. The sets of the star-studded Ramlila on Saryu banks will also leave a stamp of grandeur and city’s landscape will decorated to imitate the treta yug of Lord Ram. At least Rs 35crore will be spent on the beautification project, said ADA vice-chairman, Vishal Singh.
