Sabarmati Ashram ready to welcome Trump amid doubt over visit

Preparations are on in full swing at Sabarmati Ashram here for visit of US President Donald Trump on Monday, even as an official confirmation on it is still awaited.

Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in a roshow from Ahmedab airport on Monday. two leers will later dress 'Namaste Trump' event at a newly-built cricket stium in Motera area here, according to schedule anunced by Gujarat government.

A state government official said preparations were also going on at Sabarmati Ashram, a place closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi, even as y await an official confirmation from Ministry of External Affairs on US president's visit to place.

"Preparations are underway. It will be officially anunced soon," said state tourism secretary Mamta Verma, who was on a visit to ashram to oversee arrangements. An official confirmation is expected from Ministry of External Affairs "within a few hours", she said.

ashram's secretary, Amrut Modi, said y are prepared to welcome US President if he visits place. ashram's area around 'Hriday Kunj', which was home of Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi for 12 years between 1918 and 1930 during freedom struggle, was being given special attention.

A large cut-out of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was placed outside ashram. Security has also been tightened with several police personnel and sniffer dogs deployed in and outside premises.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Friday said White House will take a call on Trump's Sabarmati Ashram visit. Rupani's statement came in backdrop of speculation that US president will t visit ashram.

Meanwhile, preparations were underway on route, leing up to ashram, which will be part of roshow, as per plan shared by Ahmedab Municipal Corporation. Sts have been erected along ro where cultural shows will be held by various artistes.