People from various walks of life call on Modi

People from various walks of life Sunday called on Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who is here to address a public meeting.

Leaders of some backward classes and Dalit groups and some retired bureaucrats met Modi at a star hotel, said a statement from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Those who met him include former home secretary K. Padmanabiah, former Sikkim governor V. Rama Rao, retired police officer Gopinath Reddy and eminent cardiologist.

"The discussions covered a wide area of topics ranging from the current political situation in Andhra Pradesh to issues facing various sections of the society," said the statement.

AP Backward Class Welfare Association president R. Krishnaiah and Madiga Reservation Porata Samiti (MRPS) leader Manda Krishna Madiga also called on Modi.

Krishnaiah told reporters that he urged Modi to take steps to provide 50 percent reservation to backward classes in legislative bodies.

Former BJP national president Bangaru Laxman also met Modi.

Actor-turned-politician Krishnam Raju was among the leaders who welcomed Modi at the airport.

Leaders of Gujarati community and representatives of people from various northern states settled in Hyderabad also called on Modi.

Many BJP leaders who wanted to meet Modi got into a row with police officers as they were stopped outside the hotel. Police officers said Modi was meeting only a limited number of people.