Kolkata is under tight security as the city prepares for the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected West Bengal government. The event, scheduled to take place at the Brigade Parade Ground, will see the attendance of high-profile dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The Kolkata Police have implemented extensive traffic and security measures across central Kolkata to ensure the smooth conduct of the ceremony. These measures will be in effect during the event at the Brigade Parade Ground. As per information available with TahirRihat.com, the oath-taking ceremony coincides with the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore on 25 Baisakh. The event is expected to draw a large crowd, necessitating stringent crowd control and traffic management strategies.
To manage the expected traffic congestion, Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nanda issued a notification outlining traffic restrictions and parking regulations. According to the advisory, vehicular movement will be regulated on key roads such as Esplanade Ramp, K P Road, Hospital Road, Lovers Lane, Casuarina Avenue, and Queensway. The restrictions will be adjusted based on real-time traffic conditions and security needs throughout the day. These regulations are designed to minimize disruptions and ensure the safety of attendees and the general public.
The advisory also includes a suspension of goods vehicle movement from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. Exemptions have been granted to vehicles carrying essential commodities and emergency supplies. These include vehicles transporting LPG cylinders, CNG and petroleum tankers, oil and lubricants, oxygen cylinders, vegetables, medicines, fish, fruits, and milk. These exemptions ensure that essential services and supplies are not disrupted during the period of heightened security measures.
Parking restrictions will be enforced in areas surrounding the Brigade Parade Ground and adjacent roads. Parking will be prohibited near Victoria Memorial, including sections of AJC Bose Road up to Hastings Crossing, Cathedral Road, Khidirpur Road, Hospital Road, Queensway, and Lovers Lane. These restrictions are intended to prevent unauthorized vehicles from accessing sensitive areas and to facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles if needed.
Police sources indicated that additional traffic diversions and crowd-control measures may be implemented depending on the evolving situation on Saturday. The police are prepared to adjust their strategies to address any unforeseen circumstances and to maintain order and security during the swearing-in ceremony. Their proactive approach aims to ensure a secure and well-managed event.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to arrive in Kolkata on Saturday morning to attend the swearing-in ceremony. Sources in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) reported that he is expected to depart from Delhi airport around 8:05 a.m. on an Indian Air Force B-777 aircraft bound for Kolkata. During the recent election campaign, Modi stated at a public rally that he would return to Bengal after May 4 to participate in the oath-taking ceremony of the new chief minister. This visit fulfills that commitment. (UNI reported that senior BJP leaders, chief ministers from BJP-ruled states, and several union ministers are also expected to attend the ceremony.)
The security arrangements reflect the high-profile nature of the event and the need to ensure the safety of all attendees. The Kolkata Police are working in coordination with other security agencies to implement a comprehensive security plan. This includes deploying additional personnel, conducting thorough security checks, and monitoring potential threats. The goal is to create a secure environment for the swearing-in ceremony and to minimize any potential risks.
The new government faces the challenge of meeting the expectations of the people of West Bengal. The swearing-in ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter in the state’s political landscape. The presence of Prime Minister Modi and other central government leaders underscores the importance of cooperation between the state and central governments. This collaboration is seen as essential for addressing the various challenges facing the state, including economic development, infrastructure improvements, and social welfare programs.
The event also serves as an opportunity for political leaders to come together and demonstrate their commitment to serving the people of West Bengal. The swearing-in ceremony is a symbolic event that signifies the transfer of power and the beginning of a new administration. The focus now shifts to the new government’s ability to deliver on its promises and to address the pressing issues facing the state.
The Kolkata Police are continuing to monitor the situation closely and are prepared to make any necessary adjustments to their security plan to ensure the safety and security of all involved. The swearing-in ceremony is expected to proceed smoothly, with minimal disruption to the city.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.