Jubilant M’lureans offer free food, haircuts...

Mangaluru: If bus and rickshaw drivers provided free rides, hotels and juice outlets distributed free food and juices. Studio owners clicked photographs for free and saloons did haircuts for anyone who walked in with no charge whatsoever. There was euphoria and spontaneity in the air as Mangaluru erupted in celebration as PM Modi swore in his government and took oath of office himself for a second term on Thursday.

On the bustling KS Rao Road, Fakeerabba, who owns the Master Flower Plastic Decorative,  distributed jasmine among the people, giving away 400 “chendu” or rolls of the fragrant flower.  

And rickshaw driver Ibrahim not only put up a banner supporting Mr Modi in his rickshaw, but also served tea free to the people. Those who boarded the 'Kotian,' bus plying between Mangaluru-Surathkal-Kinnigoli on Thursday were in for a surprise as they not only had no fare to pay, but  also enjoyed a sweet treat, thanks to an overjoyed driver and his friends.

At a private bus stand in Mangaluru, the bus drivers, conductors and employees came together to offer free food. Be it passengers, passersby,  small shopowners or vendors, they all received a plate of delicious food and sweets.  

More Modi fans distributed coffee and snacks for free at the Urwa junction, while  tea  was served for free at the Namo tea stall at Morgans Gate. In Uppinangady, 5 autorickshaw drivers provided free rides to  passengers within a 5 km radius and the Punik Studio clicked free passport size photographs for about 70 happy customers.