Vadodara: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Namo for Viksit Bharat’ programme in Vadodara on Tuesday is set to have a distinctly Gen Z touch, with an online ticketing platform for free registrations, broadcast-grade technology and an interactive stage replacing several features of a conventional political rally.From the venue—the Pavilion Ground of Maharaja Sayajirao University—to mandatory free-of-costregistration on BookMyShow, a platform more commonly used for movies, concerts and sporting events, Modi’s latest date with his ‘karmabhoomi’ Vadodara is anything but conventional.A Y-shaped ramp has been erected for the PM, extending from the main stage and allowing him to move closer to the audience. The format is aimed at creating a more youthful, participative and contemporary experience.The response has been striking. Within an hour of registration opening on BookMyShow on Sunday, all 6,000 available slots were filled, while another 36,000 people joined the waiting list.The administration is exploring a fan zone or online participation to accommodate those on the waiting list. The free registration was open to those aged 15 and above, though registration did not guarantee entry.VMC commissioner Arun Mahesh Babu said the format was being used for the first time for a govt programme. “This is a uniquely curated programme. For the first time, we are using a format like a corporate event, where people register and participate,” he said.Apart from the free entries, the organizers have invited lawyers, doctors, chartered accountants, teachers, businessmen, industrialists and representatives of industry associations for the event.BJP MP and BJYM national president Hemang Joshi said the event could “set a benchmark nationally” and that Modi was expected to interact with intellectuals, professionals and youngsters.Technology is central to the format. The programme will use 4K cameras and live-production technology, with officials comparing the setup to international cricket and international football tournaments. Specialist teams are also working on lighting, multimedia and projection.The youth-focused build-up has included influencer meets, bhajan clubbing and a cyclothon that drew more than 1,000 participants.Modi will also inaugurate and lay foundation stones for development projects worth over Rs 35,000 crore in Vadodara and surrounding areas, including three freight corridor projects, the third and fourth railway lines between Vadodara and Ratlam, and doubling of the Vishwamitri-Dabhoi line.
