Amit Shah presents presidential colours to Puducherry Police

Puducherry: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday presented the prestigious President’s Colours to the Puducherry Police in a glittering ceremony. Earlier, he arrived in Puducherry on Saturday night ahead of the key official engagement.

Security was significantly strengthened across Puducherry. More than 1,000 personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force and Puducherry Police were deployed at strategic locations, while vehicle checks were intensified along the Union Territory’s borders and within the city.

Traffic movement was also regulated along HM Shah’s route from the Gorimedu border to Raj Nivas. Further diversions have been introduced on Sunday on roads connecting Raj Nivas with Gorimedu and Puducherry airport.

Authorities had also prohibited the operation of drones, unmanned aerial vehicles and other flying devices as part of the security arrangements for HM Shah’s visit and the President’s Colours presentation ceremony.

HM Shah reached Puducherry on Saturday night after completing engagements in Maharashtra and visiting the Arunachaleswarar Temple and Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu.

He was received in Puducherry by Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan, Chief Minister N Rangasamy and senior government representatives. Earlier, HM Shah arrived in Chennai by air from Maharashtra and left by helicopter at around 4.15 p.m., reaching Tiruvannamalai at approximately 5.20 p.m.

Though his initial itinerary indicated that he would first visit the Ramana Maharshi Ashram, the programme was subsequently changed. HM Shah left the helipad by car around 5.30 p.m. and proceeded to the historic Arunachaleswarar Temple. Temple priests accorded him a traditional reception on behalf of the administration.

The Home Minister offered prayers and participated in the evening rituals at the temple, including ceremonies associated with Lord Arunachaleswarar and Goddess Unnamulai Amman. He also worshipped Lord Vinayaka before being presented with prasadam by the temple authorities.

After completing his temple visit, HM Shah walked out through the temple complex and waved to BJP workers and members of the public who had gathered outside. He then travelled to the Ramana Maharshi Ashram, with party workers and supporters lining parts of the route to welcome him.

On reaching Puducherry, HM Shah was welcomed by Kailashnathan, Rangasamy, Acting Speaker Anbazhagan, ministers, MPs and senior BJP leaders with shawls and bouquets.