 "India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the media after his meeting with President Droupadi Murmu, to stake claim to form the new government at the Presidential Palace in New Delhi, India. Reuters")
Narendra Modi is all set to take oath as prime minister on 9 June at 7.15 pm, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said on Friday.
The members of his council of ministers will also be sworn in on Sunday.
The developments come after caretaker PM Modi met President Droupadi Murmu and staked a claim to form the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government.
With just one day to go for the swearing-in ceremony, preparations are underway and a thorough security review is being conducted.
Let’s take a look.
No Change of Guard
The Rashtrapati Bhavan cancelled the weekly Change of Guard ceremony on 8, 15, and 22 June due to the preparations for the swearing-in ceremony of the PM and his council of ministers at its forecourt.
Additionally, President Murmu will also address both the houses of the parliament.
“The Change of Guard ceremony will not take place on 8, 15, and 22 June 2024 at Rashtrapati Bhavan due to the preparation for the Swearing-in Ceremony of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers at Forecourt, Rashtrapati Bhavan and address to both the Houses of Parliament by the President,” it said in a statement as stated by News18.
For those uninitiated, the change of guard ceremony is a military tradition held every week to enable a fresh group of the President’s Bodyguards (PBGs) to take over.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThree-tier security system
A sophisticated security system has been set up for the high-profile event.
According to The Indian Express, three tiers of security will be in place: the President’s House’s internal security in the inner ring, Delhi Police in the outside ring, and paramilitary forces in the centre.
There will be about 2,500 personnel on duty, comprising officers from the Delhi Armed Police and five companies of paramilitary forces.
According to the officials, drones, armed police officers, and snipers will secure the routes the dignitaries will travel.
The authorities told the newspaper, the security arrangement would resemble that of the G20 Summit from the previous year.
News18 reported special arrangements have also been made to secure the outer perimeter around hotels where foreign dignitaries will stay, including the Taj, Maurya, Leela, and Oberoi.
On Sunday, road closures or traffic diversions in Central Delhi are possible. Beginning on Saturday, there will be additional border checks.
As per ANI, top officials from Delhi police conducted a thorough security review at Rashtrapati Bhavan as part of the preparations for Modi’s oath-taking ceremony.
Special security measures have also been arranged for foreign dignitaries attending the swearing-in ceremony, including enhanced protocols at three designated hotels where the dignitaries will be staying.
No fly zone
In addition to on-ground security, Delhi police issued a public advisory on Friday announcing a No-Fly Zone over the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.
The advisory prohibits the operation of sub-conventional aerial platforms, which aims to prevent any potential threats from criminal, anti-social elements, or terrorists during the swearing-in ceremony.
The public advisory further said that the prohibition will be effective from 9 to 10 June 2024.
Violators will face penalties under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.
The guests
In keeping with India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, leaders from neighbouring countries including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, and Mauritius are expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony, as per News18.
Lawyers, doctors, artists, cultural performers, influencers, ambassadors for Viksit Bharat, beneficiaries of central government schemes, tribal women, and sanitation workers are among the Indian dignitaries.
Along with participants in Mann Ki Baat and Padma recipients, almost fifty religious leaders from various faiths have also been invited.
In addition, workers who have contributed to the Central Vista project, which includes constructing the new Parliament, have received an invitation.
The first female loco pilot in Asia, Surekha Yadav, has also received an invitation.
In addition to prominent politicians, members of the Treasury Bench and the Opposition, a sizable group of individuals from the sports and film industries, as well as well-known businessmen and industrialists, will be present.
“The prime minister is known to respect the contribution of every ambassador who has been involved in the building of a strong nation. Gone are the days when the invites were sent only to VIPs and VVIPs. Our prime minister considers those who never get their dues or importance as VIP guests,” a source told News18.
Latest developments
Earlier, Modi met President Droupadi Murmu and staked claim to form the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government under his leadership.
J P Nadda, the head of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), gave her a letter on Modi’s election while NDA leaders sent their letters of support.
“Exercising powers vested in her under Article 75 (1) of the Constitution of India, President Droupadi Murmu today appointed @narendramodi to the office of Prime Minister of India,” the President’s office posted on X.
“The President requested Shri Narendra Modi to: i) advise her about the names of other persons to be appointed members of the Union Council of Ministers; and ii) indicate the date and time of the swearing-in-ceremony to be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan,” the Rashtrapati Bhavan added.
Modi, 73, was formally selected as the leader of the NDA. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal (United), whose backing is essential to the ruling alliance, approved the idea.
With 293 MPs, the NDA holds a comfortable majority in the 543-member Lok Sabha.
With 240 seats, the BJP is by far the biggest of these.
In the 2019 elections, 303 seats were won by the BJP.
With inputs from agencies