Massive security arrangements for Modi's Mumbai rally

Expecting massive turnout in Mumbai rally of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, police personnel have set up a seven-tier security cover for the controversial leader.

Commissioner of Police Satyapal Singh said that the Mumbai police have introduced strict security measures. "For the first time ever, from where the Mumbai city starts till the venue of the rally, we have set up seven-tier security checks," said Singh.

Singh said that barricades will be put up from two-and-half kilometers away to the venue of the rally. While passage of cars and bus will be strictly monitored, only vehicles carrying VVIP's such as Modi will be allowed to enter the venue in cars.

"Apparently, there are many anti-social elements who may try harming Narendra Modi. Keeping such things in mind, Anti-Terrorism cells have been activated across every police station in Mumbai," added Singh.

In order to manage the crowds and traffic coming from outside Mumbai, special trains will be plying from Nagpur.

Party leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy said, "In the serial attacks in Patna, just before Modi'rally. Six BJP workers had died and many people were injured. But this time, our state unit worked together with the state government is taking a good care of the security arrangements."

"It will be a huge rally and is going to be a benchmark," he added.

Interestingly, amongst the invitees, special invitees happen to be tea vendors. The tea vendors have been called in from various parts of Mumbai and Thane. Party supporters say that inviting tea vendors was a symbolic gesture marking the rise of Narendra Modi who had started out as a tea vendor himself.

Apart from vendors, the rally organizers have also called upon prominent personalities such as lawyers, doctors and diplomats from embassies so as to reach out to as many voters as possible.