The suspense over BJP’s new Delhi chief minister is finally over.
On Wednesday, the saffron party announced
Rekha Gupta, a former Delhi University Students’ Union president, as the fourth woman Chief Minister of Delhi.
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’live’ updates on Delhi CM’s swearing-in
The 50-year-old will be sworn in during a grand swearing-in ceremony at the city’s famous Ramlila Maidan today (February 20). It is likely to be attended by around 50,000 attendees, including top BJP leaders and CMs from party-ruled states.
Here’s how the National Capital is gearing up for the grand event.
For the incoming chief minister’s oath-taking ceremony at Ramlila Maidan, around 25,000 security guards will be stationed throughout the city’s central, northern, and incoming Delhi regions.
An officer asserted that “robust” security arrangements will be in place to maintain law and order situation.
According to police, several levels of barricades will be erected along with other emergency response teams to ensure the dignitaries’ safety and security.
The police said snipers will be stationed at surrounding high-rise buildings, while commandos, SWAT squads, PCR vans, anti-sabotage checks, and quick reaction teams will be deployed at key areas. CCTV cameras with AI-based facial recognition will be used to monitor every nook and corner.
The Delhi Police have been getting ready for the event for the past two days, according to Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Ravindra Yadav.
Given the large number of cars anticipated to arrive at the event, he said, parking and traffic management will be difficult.
“Delhi Commissioner of Police Sanjay Arora visited the venue this morning. He personally reviewed the preparations. We are sure that we will manage the event smoothly,” said the Special CP Yadav.
“Only authorised people will be allowed near the venue. We have also chalked out a traffic plan,” another senior officer said.
First-aid kiosks and other facilities will also be set up at the venue, officers told the news agency.
The Delhi Police has issued an advisory concerning the traffic diversions and restrictions around the Ramlila Maidan.
According to the advisory, there will be certain diversions and restrictions in place because the venue is anticipated to host a sizable gathering that includes several VVIPs and VIPs.
It further said traffic would be rerouted from the following locations: Raj Ghat, Delhi Gate, ITO, Ajmeri Gate, Subhash Park T-Point, Bhabhuti Marg-DDU Marg Red Light, and the roundabout at Jhandewalan.
Traffic diversions and restrictions may be imposed on the BSZ Marg (ITO to Delhi Gate), JLN Marg (Delhi Gate to Guru Nanak Chowk), Aruna Asif Ali Road, Minto Road, Kamla Market to Hamdard Chowk, Ranjeet Singh Flyover to Turkman Gate, and Ajmeri Gate to Kamla Market and nearby areas from 7 am to 4 pm on Thursday.
“Use the Paharganj side to reach New Delhi Railway Station and avoid the Ajmeri Gate side,” the advisory said.
Police urged commuters to use public transport to help reduce congestion and park their vehicles only at designated spots to ensure smooth flow of traffic, it said.
“If any unusual or suspicious objects or individuals are noticed, please inform the police immediately,” it said.
The new CM and the Council of Ministers will take the oath of office today, administered by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena.
Top political figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states, will attend.
It is also anticipated that BJP members and leaders from other states who participated in the party’s campaign will join.
Although the gathering will serve as a display of the BJP’s power, the participation of slum dwellers, taxi drivers, and auto drivers will be the primary focus. During the elections, all parties aggressively courted these groups by promising them perks and freebies.
Former AAP CMs Arvind Kejriwal and
Atishi have also been invited to the function, per procedure.
About 50 industrialists and celebrities have also been invited to attend the event.
Before the ceremony, there will be a cultural programme including music and entertainment.
Three stages will be set up.
Senior dignitaries, such as the prime minister, lieutenant governor, head of the BJP, the new chief minister, and their cabinet, will be seated on the main stage.
Union ministers, chief ministers, deputy chief ministers, and other visitors will be accommodated in the other two stages.
Up to 50,000 people are anticipated, and there will be about 1,000 buses to carry them, an official told The Indian Express.
There will be three parking spots reserved for all guests.
The BJP has come to power in Delhi after 27 years, defeating the
AAP in the February 5 Delhi Assembly polls.
The saffron party got 48 seats out of a total of 70.
While Kejriwal’s AAP managed 22 seats, Congress failed to win any for the third consecutive term.
With inputs from agencies
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Inside the big oath-taking ceremony of Rekha Gupta, Delhi’s first BJP CM in 27 years
