Modi was present when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] inaugurated the event. However, Sunil Mittal was the only speaker who greeted Modi before he began his speech.

He then inaugurated the stall showcasing the achievements of the Gujarat government and made his way to the exit.

As he walked the red-carpeted stretch, delegates, who recognised the controversial chief minister, began to greet him. As more heads turned, the delegates mobbed Modi, who looked dashing in a black suit.

The chief minister acknowledged their greetings and invited them to Gujarat on January 12. For the past few years, Modi has been hosting his own mela for Non Resident Indians in Gujarat and it is usually held immediately after the PBD.

The mela reveals the tremendous clout Modi enjoys among the NRI business community. A glance at the list of dignitaries who attend the fete explains how sought after his show is.

The exhibitors did everything they could to get the chief minister to visit their respective stalls.

But Modi merely greeted them and moved on after a cursory glance at all the stalls.

Text: Krishnakumar | Photograph: Rajesh Karkera