Delhi CM oath ceremony: Over 5,000 security personnel to be deployed at Ramlila Maidan

Delhi: Over 5,000 security personnel will be deployed in and around the Ramlila Maidan area on the day of Delhi’s new chief minister’s oath-taking ceremony, an official confirmed.

Additionally, over 10 companies of paramilitary forces will be stationed to ensure law and order and manage traffic throughout the day, the officer stated.

The swearing-in ceremony for Delhi’s next chief minister and the council of ministers is scheduled for February 20 at Ramlila Maidan. The event is expected to commence around 4:30 pm and will likely witness the presence of top BJP leaders, including chief ministers from party-ruled states.

“More than 5,000 police personnel will be on duty, along with other emergency response teams. Multiple layers of security barricades will be in place to ensure the safety of dignitaries,” another police officer said.

Further security measures include the deployment of commandos, quick reaction teams, PCR vans, anti-sabotage checks, and SWAT teams at more than 2,500 strategic locations. Snipers will also be stationed at key points, while first-aid kiosks and other essential facilities will be set up at the venue.

Meanwhile, the BJP has secured power in Delhi after 26 years, defeating the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the February 5 Assembly elections.

Preparations are complete for the legislature party meeting, which is set to begin around 7 pm at the Delhi BJP office, according to party leaders. During this meeting, the 48 BJP MLAs will select the Leader of the House in the Delhi Assembly, who will then assume the role of chief minister.

The meeting will take place in the presence of BJP’s central observers, whose names are yet to be announced. Once chosen, the new chief minister will meet Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena at the Raj Niwas to formally stake a claim to form the government.

Several names are being considered for the chief ministerial post, including Parvesh Verma, who defeated AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal; former Delhi BJP presidents Vijender Gupta and Satish Upadhyay; and other leaders like Pawan Sharma, Ashish Sood, Rekha Gupta, and Shikha Rai.

Also Read: Delhi Assembly Election 2025: BJP’s historic comeback to power in the Capital after 27 years

Additionally, the names of Ravinder Indraj Singh, the MLA from the Bawana (SC) seat, and Kailash Gangwal, who secured the Madipur (SC) seat for the BJP for the first time, are also under discussion.

Many within the party speculate that the BJP leadership might select a “dark horse” for Delhi’s next chief minister—a strategy previously used in states like Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh.

(With inputs from PTI)