Tight Security, Special Measures For VVIPs Ahead Of Oath-Taking Of Maiden BJP Govt In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Elaborate security arrangements are being made and all agencies are gearing up for the swearing-in ceremony for the maiden BJP government in Odisha slated to be held at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar on June 12.

While Commissionerate Police has put in place tight security arrangements for the grand event, the authorities at the Biju Patnaik Internatinional Airport (BPIA) are taking necessary steps for smooth and seamless movement of VVIPs to attend the ceremony.

Apart from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a host of other dignitaries including Union Ministers and Chief Ministers of several BJP-ruled states are likely to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the new Odisha CM and other Ministers.

The Prime Minister is also slated to hold a roadshow before attending the mega event the thank the people of Odisha for giving BJP an opportunity to serve them. This will necessitate further restrictions on traffic movement besides security measures along the route from Jayadev Vihar to Janata Maidan.

As part of special measures for the event, at least four police control rooms will be set up at BPIA, along the route, at the venue Janata Maidan and Mayfair Hotel where many VVIPs attending the event are likely to stay, sources said.

Law and order and traffic situation will be monitored from two existing control rooms, at the Commissionerate Police headquarters and state secretariat. One IG rank officer, 13 to 14 SP rank officers and over 70 platoons of police force will be deployed to ensure the event is held in a smooth manner.

Commissionerate Police has already held discussions with the Special Protection Group (SPG) about security measures. This apart, police are coordinating with other agencies like NSG and CRPF which provide security to VVIPs as many of them are likely to attend the oath-taking ceremony.

Apart from the VVIPs, a large gathering of more than 30,000 people including MLAs and MPs is likely for the event. The security and traffic arrangements are ready but they will be finalised after receiving all the details of the event and the names of the guests attending it.

A senior police officer said though tentative security arrangements have been made, the final police deployment and traffic diversions will be decided after receiving details of the new chief minister’s swearing-in ceremony.

Similarly, BPIA authorities are also taking necessary steps to handle the movement of VVIPs to attend the oath-taking ceremony. Bhubaneswar Airport Director Prasanna Pradhan said all arrangements are being made as per our standard operating procedures.

As a number of VVIPs are expected to visit the city, all stakeholders, HODs and operational heads are geared up, he said, adding, “we are re-energised to facilitate and accommodate for a seamless and smooth transition from the airport to the city.”