New Delhi: Prime minister Narendra Modi has cancelled an official government programme scheduled in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur on April 24 in the wake of the Pahalgam militant attack in which 26 people were killed, but appears to be on track to visit poll-bound Bihar today.

All India Radio reports that the PMO said in a statement that "in light of the recent terror attack that claimed a number of lives, including that of Shubham – a courageous young son of Kanpur, and keeping in mind the somber mood and sentiments of the people, the event has been cancelled."

The prime minister was supposed to inaugurate development projects at Kanpur. AIR says they were worth Rs 20,000 crore.

"As a mark of respect, it was considered appropriate to defer any celebratory or formal public engagement in Kanpur during this period of grief," the report said, quoting the PMO.

This note was, however, not visible on the Press Information Bureau portal at the time when this report was filed.

It appears however that Modi is on track to visit poll-bound Bihar today. He will travel to Madhubani and at around 11:45 AM, he will participate in a programme marking National Panchayati Raj Day, according to PMO release on PIB's portal.

He will also inaugurate, lay the foundation stone and dedicate to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 13,480 crore, and address the gathering on the occasion.

It is as yet unclear if Modi will attend the all-party meeting scheduled today.

Modi cut his trip to Saudi Arabia short and returned to India on yesterday morning after news of the attack. He was reported to have held a meeting at the Delhi airport with national security advisor Ajit Doval and external affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.