Devendra Fadnavis, the new CM of Maharashtra, to take oath today

Mumbai: BJParty leader Devendra Fadnavis will be sworn in as Maharashtra chief minister on Friday at Wankhede stadium in Mumbai. A thick security blanket has been thrown in and around Wankhede Stadium as the mega ceremony is likely to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several VVIPs.

Shiv Sena will be conspicuous by its absence, and  has already made up its mind to sit in the opposition. It is likely to announce its leader of opposition in the next few days. Names of senior leaders Ravindra Waikar, Dr Auti and Eknath Shinde are also doing the rounds.

More than 2,500 security personnel are being deployed in and around the iconic and sprawling cricket ground in South Mumbai. Over 1,100 traffic policemen will ensure smooth movement of VIP and VVIP vehicles around the stadium and along the roads leading to the venue from domestic airport.
The stadium, hosting the first open air oath-taking ceremony, has been declared a no flying zone, police said.
Under the supervision of Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria, about 2,500 security personnel, including members from Mumbai Police, Special Protection Group (SPG) and Quick Response Teams, will maintain a strict vigil during the high-profile event, said Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Dhananjay Kamalakar.

Kamalakar said as many as 30,000 people, including nearly 5,000 VVIPs and VIPs, have been invited. “There are about 2,500 CCTVs inside the ground while videography will be done at the five entrance gates,” he said.

Police sources said besides Modi, BJP president Amit Shah, veteran party leader LK Advani, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, several Union Ministers, Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states, party MLAs, Bollywood celebrities and industrialists are likely to attend CM-designate Fadnavis’ inauguration.