Security tightened in Chennai for Modi's visit

Security has been tightened here in view of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit here on Friday to launch the first National Handloom Day.

Later in the day, Modi is also expected to meet Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa.

Security rehearsals were carried out on Thursday ahead of Modi's visit.

It is learnt Modi would arrive here at around 10.30 a.m. from New Delhi and would go to Madras University Centenary Auditorium to attend the function organised by the union textiles ministry.

Modi would also present awards to the best handloom weavers.

According to sources, Modi is also likely to meet Jayalalithaa at her residence after the function.

Interestingly this will be Modi's first visit to Jayalalithaa's residence after he became prime minister. The two are long time friends.

Friday's visit will also be the first full-fleged official visit to Chennai for Modi though he had a brief stop over here in 2014 enroute to Sriharikota to witness a rocket launch.

Last week Modi visited Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to attend the last rites of former president A.P.J.Abdul Kalam.

Jayalalithaa could not attend the funeral of Kalam owing to health concerns.