Mumbai: More than 4,000 police personnel have been deployed for security at the swearing-in ceremony of the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Thursday evening. The officers provided this information. The swearing-in ceremony will be held at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai and will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Devendra Fadnavis was unanimously elected leader of the BJP legislature party on Wednesday, paving the way for his swearing-in as chief minister for the third time. Supporters of Mahayuti’s allies – BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP – are expected to gather at the venue in large numbers to watch the ceremony.
A BJP leader had earlier said that special arrangements have been made for 40,000 supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party and separate seating arrangements have been made for 2,000 VIPs, including leaders of different religions.
In this regard, an official said that at least 3,500 policemen and 520 officers have been deployed for security arrangements. He said a platoon of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), Quick Reaction Team (QRT), riot control team, DELTA and bomb disposal squad have also been deployed.
The official said that senior police officers will monitor the security at the event and security arrangements have also been made in view of the heavy traffic on the roads leading to Azad Maidan. He said that more than 280 personnel of the traffic cell, including senior police officers, would ensure smooth movement of vehicles.
The official said that in view of the programme, traffic has also been changed on some routes. He said that since there is no parking facility at Azad Maidan, the traffic police have requested people to use public transport, especially local trains.