Modi cancels Guwahati visit, cites ‘lack of time’ to open Khelo India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided not to go for the launch of the Khelo India Youth Games on Friday (January 10) in Guwahati. Assam’s capital, where the games are to be held, is reeling under protests against the new citizenship law.

A BJP leader said PM Modi had turned down the invite because of lack of time. “It (the visit) is cancelled. The state government approached him. But he cannot give time,” Assam BJP spokesman Dewan Dhruba Jyoti Maral said.

PM Modi has reportedly informed the sports ministry as well as the Assam government that he will not be able to open the event.

Also read: AASU dares Modi to inaugurate ‘Khelo India’ games in Guwahati

The Assam government had reportedly also sounded out Home Minister Amit Shah but he is also not going.

On December 29, the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and North East Students’ Union (NESO) dared Modi to inaugurate the games on January 10 in Guwahati, saying they would organise a “massive protest” if he visits the state.

Last month, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to India was called off after an annual summit between the prime ministers of the two countries in Guwahati was postponed because of the protests.