Over 2,500 cops and drones: Massive security at Azad Maidan in Mumbai for Maharashtra CM’s oath

Last update:04 December 2024, 09:09 IST

Preparations are in full swing at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan for the swearing-in of Maharashtra’s new chief minister on December 5.

Preparations underway at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan (Video screenshots/IANS)

Heavy security has been put in place at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, where the Maharashtra Chief Minister is scheduled to take oath on December 5 (Thursday). According to sources, Mumbai Police has deployed over 2,500 policemen at the site as a large crowd is expected to gather.

Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule oversaw preparations for the ceremony and visited the venue in south Mumbai on Monday.

Armed forces, a task force and other agencies would be present to manage the crowds.

Additionally, the venue was declared a no-fly zone for Wednesday and Thursday, and police officers were deployed to several high-rise buildings to maintain surveillance.

Drones are also expected to be deployed to provide vigil during the swearing-in ceremony.

On Wednesday, sources told CNN-News18 that the state’s caretaker chief minister Eknath Shinde had agreed to take over as deputy chief minister. However, there are also indications that the Mahayuti’s allies – Shiv Sena, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may vie for the portfolios.

It is also likely that Shinde Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP factions will get a deputy chief ministerial slot each, sources said.

MAHARASHTRA CM OATH: WHO ARE ALL EXPECTED

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the event, news agency PTI reported.

Invitations were also extended to chief ministers and deputy chief ministers of states ruled by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Besides, central ministers, governors and central office bearers of the BJP are also expected to be present, BJP sources were quoted as saying by PTI.

The BJP also invited religious leaders, artists and writers from across the state.

“The inauguration ceremony will showcase the spirit of the Mahayuti alliance while honoring the cultural diversity of Maharashtra,” a senior leader said, according to PTI.

Maharashtra’s standoff

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis is considered the frontrunner for the chief minister’s post. However, the Mahayuti alliance is yet to announce any name.

Meanwhile, a meeting of the BJP legislature party is scheduled for Wednesday.

The saffron party recorded its best ever electoral performance by winning 132 seats in the 288-member Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in the November 20 elections. The Mahayuti coalition won a total of 230 seats.