Thiruvananthapuram: Ahead of Monday’s swearing-in ceremony of Kerala’s new Congress government at Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, Lok Bhavan reportedly directed that only the Chief Minister, ministers and chief secretaries should be allowed on the stage during the function.
The protocol wing had informed the Governor that Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi and the invited chief ministers would be attending the ceremony. However, Lok Bhavan reportedly insisted that no others should be permitted on the dais. The Tamil Nadu government had also raised objections over a similar restriction earlier, though Rahul Gandhi had attended Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony there.
Kerala’s General Administration Department reportedly maintained that the Governor should decide who is allowed on the stage.
Preparations at the Central Stadium are in the final stage for the ceremony scheduled at 10 am on Monday. Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi are expected to attend the event.
Heavy traffic and security restrictions will be enforced across the capital city from 7 am until 4 pm. Authorities said only VIP entry would be permitted through the main gate, and all attendees must enter the stadium before 8 am, after which gates and nearby roads would be closed.
LED screens will be installed at six locations across the city for the public to watch the ceremony live.