Bhubaneswar: Odisha capital is all decked up with large cutouts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the ‘historic’ oath-taking ceremony of BJP’s first government in the state at 4.45 pm on Wednesday.
The party, which stormed to power by making Odia Asmita its main poll plank, has also decided to set up kiosks at all important junctions of Bhubaneswar, beginning from the airport till Janata Maidan, the venue for the event, to exhibit the state’s rich culture, traditions, heritage and history. Cultural troupes from all across the state will also perform at these kiosks during the arrival of dignitaries at the venue from the airport, BJP sources said.
Portraits and busts of Odia legends, including the Paika warriors, will also be put up along this stretch.
Meanwhile, state party president Manmohan Samal on Tuesday reviewed the ongoing arrangements for the ceremony at Janta Maidan. Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena, DGP Arun Sarangi and Development Commissioner Anu Garg were present.
The BJP legislators will also be meeting later in the day to elect their leader, paving way for formation of the first-ever government of the saffron party in the state. Before taking the oath, the CM-designate is expected to visit Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri to seek blessings of the Lords. Coinciding with the event, all four gates of the 12th-century shrine will be opened as promised by the party.
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The Chief Secretary had earlier told the media that more than 30,000 people are expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony. “All logistics are being taken care of in coordination with the party and efforts are being made to ensure smooth conduct of the event from arrival of dignitaries at the airport, their movement to the venue and departure,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers Amit Shah, J P Nadda, other central ministers and chief ministers of many BJP-ruled states are likely to take part. The party has also proposed a roadshow by the PM in Bhubaneswar ahead of the event.
The airport authorities here have also made elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth movement of VVIP aircraft and commercial airlines alike. Close to two dozen flights, carrying top dignitaries, are expected to arrive here.
Twin City Police Commissioner Sanjeeb Panda said that special traffic and security arrangements have been made. He added that 67 platoons of police force will be deployed for the event.
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Odisha’s outgoing chief minister Naveen Patnaik has also been invited to the swearing-in ceremony. BJP national observer for Odisha, Vijaypal Singh Tomar, stated that the party state unit chief will personally invite Naveen for the event.
The special invitees also include state’s Padma awardees and families of poll violence victims. Invitations are also being extended to writers, educationists, cultural icons and other eminent persons of the state, the sources added.
Former Union Minister and Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi has also appealed to people to light two lamps to celebrate the formation of double-engine government in Odisha and the return of Modi at the Centre.
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