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'Who else will take care of our PM?'

Sheela Bhatt in Bombay

The Breach Candy hospital, where Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will undergo a knee replacement operation on Tuesday, is on Bhulabhai Desai Road, one of the the most prestigious addresses in Bombay.

The avenue is home to some of the most glamorous shops in India selling international brands like Banana Republic, Gap, DKNY to name just a few. A full-sleeved cotton shirt priced at Rs 12,000 is not a novelty for those who shop in this area.

Shamjibhai Vora, 65, a resident of this area for the last 54 years, says, "Not a square inch of commercial land is available on this road. Residential property is available for Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 per square foot." Vora owns the departmental store, Amarsons, opposite the Breach Candy hospital. He lives in a penthouse in Surya Apartments, on the left side of the hospital.

"In the last seven days, the police have visited each and every home around the hospital. Our apartments were checked. Our names and addresses were noted down. I have 150 people working for me. Their addresses and relevant details were provided to the security personnel," he told rediff.com

"The whole area is under surveillance. We have been briefed about the prime minister's visit, footpaths have been cordoned off and fences erected along the road," he added. Despite the inconvenience, Vora said the prime minister's visit has benefited residents as authorities have cleaned up the area.

According to an estimate, around 3,000 shoppers throng Bhulabhai Desai Road every day.

Mahendra Sawla, owner of another multi-storey departmental store, Benzer, on Bhulabhai Desai Road says, "The prime minister is getting admitted to the hospital during the time when people do their Diwali shopping. This is the time when we do maximum business. After the announcement of his surgery, there is panic in the air. People are worried about the security arrangements and parking rules. Business might be affected due to this uncertainty."

"However, we have no regrets. We must remember he is our prime minister. One must also consider the age factor. Elders have to be respected and taken care of. If we don't show our care for him at a time like this, who else will? That's what Hindu culture has imbibed in us," he added.

The PM's surgery: The full coverage

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