On Facebook,Modi for PM

Blog,website,SMSes,toll-free number to give regular updates on fast.

Chief Minister Narendra Modi caught up quickly with his detractors by connecting directly on social networking sites like Facebook,Twitter,his own blog,website and SMSes,giving regular updates to ensure support for his three-day Sadbhavana Mission fast to begin on his birthday on Saturday.

An event page on Facebook titled Sadbhavna Mission states its creator as Narendra Modi for PM.

Several dailies carried advertisements across Gujarat featuring Modis prayer for togetherness and listed a toll-free number where one can get updates on the fast by giving a missed call.

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The imagery in the publicity blitz has also been meticulously planned. While newspaper ads have pictures of Modi,posters at the venue focus only on Sardar Patel,whom the CM idolises.

On Facebook,suspended IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt vigorously circulated his status message on how Sadbhavana,genuine heartfelt goodwill,is something one cannot demand,buy or extort. One can only strive to deserve it.

Modis status message said: So happy to see that a large number of people are expressing solidarity towards Sadbhavana Mission. This is the power of positivity. My team informs that many people are also joining the movement through a missed call.

On Twitter,Modi said: Glad to see overwhelming solidarity for #Sadbhavana Mission. People also joining in large nos. thru missed call on 022-61550770 (toll-free).

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Also,a live webcast of the entire three-day event has been arranged,and it can be viewed on Modis website.

While the state government was busy at the venue working out the logistics,BJP workers fanned out to mobilise supporters across the state. They were exhorting people to register by giving a missed call.

The fast venue,Gujarat University convention hall,is being made Wi-fi enabled and a well-equipped media centre is being set up to facilitate journalists from both print and electronic media.