Ramlila Maidan gets ready for Modi rally

Municipal workers and BJP members were Thursday busy erecting a huge tent, placing metal detectors and barricades at the gates and setting up CCTV cameras and LED screens at the Ramlila Maidan, from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will Saturday formally kick off BJP's campaign in poll-bound Delhi.

Bharatiya Janata Party leaders said the party's three newest chief ministers from Haryana, Jharkhand and Maharashtra and over one lakh people are expected at the sprawling ground in the heart of the city.

"People will come from all over the city in 2,800 buses to listen to Modi ji. This will be his biggest rally in Delhi," a BJP leader said.

About the arrangements, Rekha Gupta, general secretary of the BJP's Delhi unit, said: "After being levelled, carpets will be laid all over the ground."

"We will have 50,000 chairs and there will be open space for sitting on the ground," Gupta told IANS.

She said 15 massive LED/LCD screens will be set up all over the ground.

As all high-profile leaders are expected at the venue on that day, safety is a prime concern for the BJP. Therefore, over 100 CCTV cameras will be put up at all entry and exit points as well as inside the ground.

At least a dozen metal detectors, X-ray machines and numerous barricades have also been placed at all strategic points.

In addition, bomb detection squad vans, ambulances and fire tenders will be stationed inside the ground.

According to officials, a list of all leaders and party workers who would be coming for the rally has already been sent to the Special Protection Group (SPG), which is responsible for protecting the prime minister.

Elections to the 70-member Delhi assembly are likely to be held in February.