All preparations, including tight security, have been made for PM Modi’s 45-hour stay at the famous underwater monument named after a Hindu saint.
 "PM Modi begins two-day meditation at the Kanyakumari rock memorial starting today")
Press Trust of India Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to embark on an almost two-day meditation retreat at the famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial here on Thursday and the area is under heavy security in the wake of the high-profile event.
All preparations, including tight security, are in place for PM Modi’s 45-hour stay at the famous underwater monument named after a Hindu saint.
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BJP leaders said PM Modi will meditate at the Rock Memorial, a monument built in honour of Swami Vivekananda, after the climax of the Lok Sabha election campaign later today. The prime minister had held a similar meditation at Kedarnath caves after the 2019 election campaign.
As the meditation coincides with the silence period ahead of the seventh and final phase of India’s Lok Sabha elections on June 1, the opposition BJP and DMK have expressed concern and urged the Election Commission to act against the prime minister’s religious stay.
BJP leaders said PM Modi will meditate from the evening of May 30 to the evening of June 1 at the Dhyan Mandapam, the spot where Vivekananda, a spiritual icon revered by the PM, is believed to have had a divine vision of “Bharat Mata”.
The Prime Minister is also likely to offer prayers at the famous Sri Bhagavathi Amman temple here. Ahead of his departure on June 1, PM Modi is likely to visit the Thiruvalluvar Statue, a gigantic 133-feet-tall sculpture built for the Tamil poet. The structure is located next to the rock memorial.
Security has been stepped up ahead of PM Modi’s visit, with 2,000 police personnel on duty during his stay, while the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy will also be on high alert. Tirunelveli Firing Range DIG Pravesh Kumar, along with Superintendent of Police E. Sundaravathanam, inspected the security arrangements at the rock memorial, boat jetty, helipad and guest house here.
BJP leaders had earlier said Modi’s choice of Kanyakumari for his training demonstrates his determination to realise Vivekananda’s vision for the country.
They said the rock where the Prime Minister meditates had a profound impact on Vivekananda’s life and holds a significance in the monk’s life similar to that of Sarnath for Gautama Buddha.
They said Vivekananda had arrived here after wandering around the country, meditated for three days and had a vision of an developed India.
“Meditating at the same spot demonstrates PM Modi’s determination to realise Swami Guru’s vision of ‘Vikshit Bharat’,” the BJP leader said, adding that the spot is also mentioned in scriptures as the place where Goddess Parvati meditated for Lord Shiva.
“Prime Minister Modi is demonstrating national unity by visiting Kanyakumari,” one leader said, adding that his visit to the state even after the elections are over also reflects his commitment and affection for Tamil Nadu.
The opposition Indian National Congress party on Wednesday alleged that Modi was trying to “circumvent” restrictions on the silence period with his meditation trip and urged the Election Commission to ensure that it is not broadcast in the media as it violates the model code of conduct.
The local chapter of Tamil Nadu’s ruling party, the DMK, has petitioned the district commissioner and district election officer to oppose the chief minister’s event, citing the Model Code of Conduct currently in force and the ongoing tourist season.
