Bengal unit of the BJP is planning to give Prime Minister Narendra Modi a grand felicitation for the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in Parliament.

Sources in the state BJP said the programme would be organised as Modi was scheduled to visit the city on January 11 to take part in the 150-year celebration of the Calcutta Port Trust.

“The PMO has been informed that the Bengal BJP is willing to give Modiji a grand felicitation for the passage of the CAB in Calcutta on the same day of his visit,” a party functionary said. A BJP insider said immediately after information had come from the PMO on Modi’s visit to Calcutta, the state leadership of the party started finalising the venue for the felicitation.

The Bengal unit had planned to felicitate both Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah for the passage of the CAB in Parliament in December, but none of them was available.

According to sources in the BJP, Netaji Indoor Stadium, with around 12,000 seating capacity, fell short of accommodating all the supporters when Amit Shah was in the city on October 1.

“Netaji Indoor got over-crowded at Amitji’s programme. So many could not manage to enter the venue and had to stay outside,” he said.

“As Salt Lake Stadium is a big ground, we are planning to hold it there. But both Netaji Indoor Stadium and Salt Lake stadium would require the state government’s permission and booking,” a senior BJP leader said.

So, the state leadership is in search of a proper venue for Modi’s felicitation.

“Brigade Parade Ground is the only venue that suits his stature. But in such a short notice, it would be a bit difficult to organise a big rally there,” a senior state BJP leader said.