As India preps up to welcome US President Donald Trump as he lands in India for his two-day visit, on February 24th, the popular leader has on Saturday he was looking forward to being with his “great friends” in India.

Trump will be accompanied by a high-level delegation including First Lady Melania Trump, the President’s daughter Ivanka Trump, son-in-law Jared Kushner, besides a number of top American officials.

So while Modi and his government are busy ‘cleaning up’ the country ahead of the big city, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday said that Trump has planned his tour with an eye on upcoming presidential polls in America.

“I think he is coming as part of the election campaign. To garner the votes of people that live there (US). This is what all it means. A large number of Indian (origin) people live there (in America) and (he is coming) to get their votes. Otherwise, what does it mean to visit (India) in the midst of (US Presidential) elections,” he said.

Baghel, who has returned from the US tour, said he invited industrialists and investors to visit Chhattisgarh.
Trump is scheduled to travel to Ahmedabad, Agra, and New Delhi, as part of his visit.

Meanwhile, another cargo plane of the US Air Force landed at the Ahmedabad international airport on Saturday ahead of the February 24 visit.

The C-17 Globemaster cargo plane, fourth in the last few days, carried security equipment and a special vehicle that is likely to be part of Trump’s convoy, sources said.

According to sources, the ‘Marine One’ helicopter of the US was part of the cargo which had landed a few days back.
More than 10,000 police personnel have been deployed as part of security arrangement for the programme and the road-show.