Preparations underway for the oath ceremony of the New Delhi Government, at the Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. Photo: PTI Preparations underway for the oath ceremony of the New Delhi Government, at the Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. Photo: PTI

The Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) has announced Rekha Gupta as new Chief Minister of Delhi, after the conclusion of the legislature party meeting.

The meeting which began at 7 pm at the Delhi BJP office, was attended by BJP’s central observers. 

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Following the announcement the party MLAs met Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena at Raj Niwas to stake their claim to form the government. 

As the new Chief Minister will be sworn in on February 20 in a grand political event, preparations are in full swing at the historic Ramlila Maidan. The ceremony will take place around noon and is expected to be a grand affair, with the newly appointed Chief Minister and their entire Cabinet taking the oath of office.

Plan and the VIP Guest list for the grand event 

A special lunch has been arranged at the Imperial Hotel for NDA (National Democratic Alliance) leaders, following the swearing-in ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the event, along with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President JP Nadda, and Delhi's Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena.

The gathering will include several Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Deputy Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states. While UP CM Yogi Adityanath and some other leaders may be unable to attend due to ongoing legislative sessions, the event will still boast the presence of key national and state-level dignitaries.

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The event will be attended by around 50,000 people, as per the latest estimates from party leaders.

The star-studded guest list will feature high-profile political figures as well as celebrities. In addition to the expected attendees, such as Prime Minister Modi and BJP stalwarts, 40 celebrities from various sectors have also been invited to the ceremony. As part of the protocol, outgoing Delhi CM Atishi and former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal will also be invited.

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva told the media that the ceremony will also see the attendance of auto-rickshaw drivers, labourers, and well-known members of civil society.

#WATCH | Delhi BJP president Virendraa Sachdeva says, "At 7 pm today, the party's two central observers (for electing the Leader of Delhi Legislature Party) will come,rpjili com and they will announce the name of the CM...""The PM, CMs of some states, the party's central leadership,… pic.twitter.com/hxZcUJ1k9d

lodi777 ph com— ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2025

Over 25,000 security personnel to be deployed

Given the high-profile nature of the event, more than 25,000 security personnel will be deployed across the central, north, and New Delhi areas to ensure the smooth conduct of the ceremony. Over 15 companies of paramilitary forces will be stationed near the venue, and more than 5,000 police personnel will work in tandem with paramilitary forces to maintain law and order.

Senior officials, including Special Commissioner of Police Ravindra Yadav, have assured that the Delhi Police has been preparing for the event for the past two days. To ensure safety, multiple layers of security will be in place, including commandos, SWAT teams, and anti-sabotage checks. Snipers will be positioned at high-rise buildings near Ramlila Maidan, while AI-powered facial recognition cameras will monitor every corner of the venue.

Traffic diversions and restrictions around Ramlila Maidan

With a large crowd expected, traffic management will be a major challenge. The Delhi Police has issued an advisory regarding traffic diversions and restrictions around Ramlila Maidan. Key locations such as Subhash Park T-Point, Raj Ghat, ITO, and several other roads in the vicinity will experience diversions and parking restrictions from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday.

Commuters are urged to use public transport and park vehicles only at designated areas to avoid congestion. Traffic restrictions will be imposed on BSZ Marg, JLN Marg, Aruna Asif Ali Road, and nearby areas, and the police have asked the public to remain vigilant, reporting any suspicious activity immediately.

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The BJP's win in the Delhi Assembly elections has brought the party to power after a 26-year gappesowin, defeating the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the February 5 polls. The saffron party secured 48 out of the 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly, signalling a strong mandate.