Pune, 26th September 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s much-anticipated visit to Pune has been canceled due to heavy rainfall. A rally was scheduled to take place at S.P. College grounds today, but the inclement weather has thwarted preparations that had been underway for three days.

The Prime Minister was set to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for various development projects in the lead-up to the upcoming Assembly elections. This included the inauguration of the underground metro project from Civil Court to Swargate and the foundation-laying for the underground route from Swargate to Katraj.

In light of Modi’s visit, extensive preparations had been made in Pune, but persistent rain created significant challenges. The city has faced torrential downpours, leading to waterlogging and mud at the rally site. Roads leading to the stage are covered in mud, and large puddles have formed beneath the stage.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar inspected the rally site yesterday evening and provided recommendations to the municipal and metro authorities. Efforts were made to lay gravel on the muddy ground, with 10 to 12 truckloads of gravel ordered. Despite these efforts, the current conditions make holding the rally difficult, prompting discussions of alternative arrangements. The Ganesh Kala Kreeda auditorium was being considered as a potential venue, with preparations reportedly underway at an urgent pace.

Rain has continued throughout Pune and its surrounding areas this morning, further complicating matters. Although preparations for the Ganesh Kala Kreeda auditorium had begun, the lack of improvement in weather conditions has led the Prime Minister’s office to ultimately decide to cancel the event.