Political bigwigs among 30,000 at Mamata Banerjee oath today

The stage is set for Mamata Banerjee’s second coronation at the Red Road. Didi wanted common people to witness the “historic event” and therefore, deviating from the tradition of taking oath at Raj Bhavan, she chose the sprawling tarmac-like iconic Red Road as the venue for her swearing-in ceremony amidst high security arrangements. Over 30,000 people are expected to attend the programme, besides a large number of VVIPs from all across India and some neighbouring countries. Red Road has been closed for traffic since the night of May 23 for the construction of podium and seating pavilions.

Union finance minister Arun Jaitley, Union minister of state for urban development Babul Supriyo, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Bangladesh industry minister Amir Hossain Amu, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and former J&K CM Farooq Abdullah have already confirmed their participation. Reliance group chairman Mukesh Ambani, Zee Group chairman Subhas Chandra are likely to attend.

the ceremony. It was not yet confirmed whether Bengal’s jamai babu Amitabh Bachchan and Bengal’s brand ambassador Shahrukh Khan would attend the event but Juhi Chawla will be present. Though Congress president Sonia Gandhi will not be able to attend, she is likely to send some one on her behalf.

Two important Central Congress leaders, Ambika Soni and C.P. Joshi, will be in the city on Friday for an important party meeting. State Congress leadership said it did not have any information if they would attend Ms Banerjee’s event.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sent a 20 kg hilsa fish as her gift to Ms Banerjee on this occasion. Frantic last minute preparations were going on Friday at the Red Road. Chief secretary Basudeb Banerjee, Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar and other senior officials of the city police visited the venue on Thursday to supervise the preparations. “There will be seating arrangement for 6,000 VIP’s and 25,000 common people,” an official of the information and cultural affairs department said.

Ms Banerjee on Thursday announced that everybody was welcome to witness the event, “This is a people’s event and invitation/entry card is not needed. Seat will be offered on first come first serve basis,” she said.

The stages will have a predominance of blue and white colour. To beat the heat, 34 giants air-conditioners have been installed, besides pedestal fans for the general people. As for security, Lalbazar officials said it would be on the lines of the Republic Day celebrations. All senior officers above the rank of DC will be present at the site, along with officials of other law enforcement agencies. “There are several entry points towards the stage, which would need to be sealed. Sniffer dogs are being used and CCTVs have been installed,” a senior Lalbazar officer said.