Amid Trump, Narendra Modi’s mutual praise, audience began leaving stadium

Ahmedabad: The enthusiastic fervor at the “Namaste Trump” show here on Monday started decreasing by afternoon as the sections of the audience began leaving the Motera stadium after hours under a scorching sun even as US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi lavished praise on each other. Facing direct sunlight since 9 am at the stadium, claimed to be the world’s largest with a seating capacity of 1.10 lakh people, spectators showed their high zeal till 1.40 pm when Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Modi came on the stage. The crowd, estimated to over 1.25 lakh, cheered when the two leaders initiated their address with “Namaste” and praised each other. On the stage, Trump in a suit and neon yellow tie waved to crowds and hugged Modi. Trump’s daughter Ivanka was mobbed for selfies by excited spectators. But then the gathering, assembled from across Gujarat and even outside the state, began losing patience when Trump’s speech continued for over 15 minutes as he kept on praising Modi calling him “champion” and citing works he did in last five years for the welfare of India. Thousands left the stadium during Trump’s over 30-minute speech in which he stressed that “America loves India, respects India and will be faithful to India”, and also praised its unity in diversity as well as economic capability. However, many among the crowd kept on sitting on their seats braving the sun and continued cheering and clapping when Trump referred to great works of Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi, and holy river Ganga as well as religious places like Jama Masjid and Golden Temple. (IANS)

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