Government machinery, BJP and various organisations are busy preparing for Modi’s fast on January 20.
Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi’s concluding Sadbhavana fast in Godhra on January 20 is no ordinary affair. This is evident from the hectic preparations being carried out in the city by all concerned government agencies.
From collector to police head, from party volunteer to MLA, from schools to even community organisations — everyone in Godhra is extra busy these days in the countdown to the event on Friday. Incidentally, the day is considered to be the holiest in the week for Muslims with afternoon prayers playing a significant role.
For starters, it is going to be a big security nightmare, with agencies already on their toes. Huge crowd of people are expected to gather at mosques for the afternoon prayers. Modi’s fast venue is the SRP ground which is close to the district superintendent office.
The venue is not too far from the Polan Bazar, a Muslim-dominated area.
Nearly 50% of the 1,100 cops with Godhra police have been deployed as part of the security bandobast for the fast. Talking to DNA, the superintendent of police, Panchmahals district, Sachin Badshah said that they have a rough plan for the Sadbhavana fast and rest of the things are still in the planning stage.
Badshah said if required, some additional State Reserve Police (SRP) will be called from other districts. “We need to take care of traffic, VIP movements and the security in the programme,” Badshah said.
He said police are also holding several meetings in connection with the security arrangements. “Even though the town has both Hindus and Muslims, no incidents of communal violence have been reported here in recent past,” he said.
The collector of Godhra district, Manisha Chandra too is busy finalising the last minute preparations for the big event. Sources said Modi will directly fly down from Gandhinagar to Godhra in a helicopter.
"The SRP ground, where the programme is to be held has a helipad and CM will directly land there," the source said. Before coming to the venue, Modi is likely to spend some time at the Circuit House in Godhra. The exact timings of his stay in Godhra is yet to be decided.
Along with police and the collectorate, the district BJP office too has initiated meetings at the taluka as well as village level. "Efforts will be made to bring people from all major communities and tribals as well, to be part of the CM's event," president, Panchmahal BJP, Jayprakash Patel told DNA.
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