Swearing-in ceremony: Security beefed up in national capital

NEW DELHI: As the swearing-in of the third Narendra Modi government is scheduled to take place today at 7.15 pm, the national capital is witnessing massive security preparations and vigilance. There is summit-like security everywhere in Delhi as global leaders will be attending the event. More than 2500 personnel have been deployed in the national capital. Three-tiered security has been put in place at the Rashtrapati Bhavan where the swearing-in ceremony will take place. Internal security team of Rashtrapati Bhavan, Delhi Police and Central Army have cordoned off the area. NSG and the commando team of Delhi Police have been deployed in the region. Additional CCTVs have been installed. Delhi has been declared a no-fly zone. Drones, paragliders and hot air balloons have been banned. More central forces have also been deployed to deal with any untoward incident.

Meanwhile, the venue for the swearing-in ceremony will take place on the lawn in front of the Rashtrapathi Bhavan. Finishing touches are being made to the stage on which the ceremony will take place. A gallery has also been set up near the stage.

The central government has released the list of global leaders who will be taking part in the swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi and other ministers today evening. The main guests are leaders of neighbouring countries. The leaders will also participate in the banquet arranged by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapathi Bhavan later in the evening. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in Delhi yesterday morning.

Other chief guests are Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, Seychelles Vice President Ahmed Afif, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.