Narendra Modi says Delhi burdened by governments at BJP mega rally

New Delhi: Less than half an hour before Narendra Modi flew in by helicopter, a 100-foot cut -out of the BJP's prime ministerial candidate flew away at the sprawling Japanese Park in northwest Delhi's Rohini this morning. The strong gusts of wind and the threat of rain have, however, not dampened the spirit of the thousands of people now crowding the venue.

The BJP has pulled out all stops to make the Modi show in election-bound Delhi a huge affair. It claims there are five lakh people already at the venue, though it is estimated to be closer to about a lakh. (Live blog)

On the massive stage, 80 by 40 feet, Mr Modi in white kurta pyjama, is flanked by leaders like Niitin Gadkari, Vijay Goel and Navjot Singh Sindu in pink turban regaling the crowds with Sidhuisms.

Before he landed at the ground, Mr Modi tweeted, "Wonderful to be in Delhi to join the BJP Vikas Rally." (See pics)

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The BJP has invited envoys of about 80 countries and says 35 have confirmed attendance in an effort to project what the party says is the Gujarat Chief Minister's global appeal and acceptability, after years of being boycotted by many countries over the 2002 communal riots in his state.

The BJP has its hopes pinned on the Narendra Modi factor to tilt the November elections in Delhi its favour. It is widely seen as tied in a neck and neck race with the Congress in the national capital this time. The party was trounced by the Congress's Sheila Dikshit in the last three elections in Delhi.

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Addressing the rally,  the BJP's Vijay Kumar Malhotra said with a straight face, "I challenge Shiela Dikshit, who is old enough to be my grandmother, for a public debate on whether people in Delhi are happy with her or not." Ms Dikshit is 75; Mr Malhotra, 81.

A sophisticated sound system and giant LED screens have been installed at the ground. For maximum coverage of the event, screens have also been installed at several places in the city that will broadcast Mr Modi's speech live.

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There is tight security, with dozens of CCTV cameras and hundreds of private security guards keeping an eye on the massive crowds. Also 3,000 policemen and paramilitary personnel have been deployed at the venue. The Delhi Metro will run extra trains and feeder buses as it anticipates a huge rush.