Gandhinagar/New Delhi, 14 November (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to return to New Delhi on Saturday after an overnight stay in Gandhinagar, following the postponement of his proposed visit to the Ambaji Temple in Banaskantha district.

The Prime Minister arrived at Ahmedabad airport on Friday evening and proceeded to Lok Bhavan in Gandhinagar, where he was received by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat. He is staying overnight at Lok Bhavan before his scheduled departure for the national capital by Saturday noon.

The Prime Minister was originally scheduled to visit the Ambaji Temple on Saturday, coinciding with Labh Pancham, to offer prayers and perform religious rituals. However, the programme was postponed in view of the heavy influx of devotees at the shrine over the past few days and the possibility of a further surge in visitors on the auspicious occasion.

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said the decision was taken at the Prime Minister's initiative to ensure that devotees could offer prayers without any inconvenience arising from security arrangements and other logistical requirements associated with his visit. He added that PM Modi would visit the temple on another occasion to seek the blessings of Maa Amba.

Situated in Banaskantha district, the Ambaji Temple is one of the 51 revered Shakti Peethas and holds immense religious significance. The shrine attracts devotees from Gujarat and neighbouring states, particularly during major festivals and auspicious occasions.

With the Ambaji programme deferred,PM Modi is scheduled to conclude his Gujarat visit on Saturday and return to New Delhi by noon.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar