Over 1 lakh people, ten CMs, thirty Union ministers, SAARC diplomats, Spiritual leaders to attend gala event at Khapara

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, May 23: All roads will lead to the Khapara playground on Tuesday afternoon as the BJP is making all-out efforts to turn the swearing-in ceremony of Assam's 18th chief minister Sarbanda Sonowal into a gala event.

This will be the first time after 1985 that the swearing-in ceremony of a new government in the State is taking place in an open field.

The function will be attended by diplomats from SAARC countries besides Prime Minister rendra Modi, chief ministers of at least ten NDA ruled states, over thirty union ministers and top BJP leaders.

Along with Sonowal, a few ministers - including those from alliance partners AGP and BPF - are also likely to take oath of office, though their actual number will be decided tonight.

Over one lakh people are expected to turn up for the event.

In the programme, there is a separate enclosure for spiritual leaders.

Several spiritual leaders including Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Xatradhikars of many Xatras are expected to join the programme.

The one-and-half hour long function will begin at 4.30 pm. Prime Minister Modi will also address the gathering.

Many ambassadors of foreign countries have also been invited to the ceremony.

According to sources, three podiums will be set up at the venue and these podiums will house 50,000 chairs. Another 50,000 chairs will be laid on the field for the audience. Eight entry gates have been erected at the venue.

While one podium will be used for the swearing-in ceremony, the other two podiums will be used for the elected representatives, spiritual leaders and invited guests to sit.

Some 150 CCTV cameras have been installed as a precautiory measure to ensure fool-proof security.

In order to provide live footage to the audience at the venue, eleven massive LED TVs will be set up at the venue. A special sound system has also been put in place. Floodlights have also been arranged at the venue.

Meanwhile, CM-desigte Sarbanda Sonowal today visited xatra of Sarthebari to seek blessings from Krishguru who is also expected to be present at tomorrow's swearing-in function.