Security beefed up ahead of Modi's rally in Mumbai

The security personnel have made tight security arrangements for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi's rally in Mumbai today.

With thousands of people expected to attend the rally, security arrangements have been strengthened in and around the venue. Thousands of policemen and bomb disposal squad have been deployed.

Commissioner of Police Satyapal Singh on Saturday 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.

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 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.

Besides Modi, other senior BJP leaders who would address the rally include, party chief Rajnath Singh, Maharashtra BJP in-charge Rajiv Pratap Rudy, senior leader Gopinath Munde, Nitin Gadkari and others.