The scale, hype and importance of the swearing-in ceremony on Friday can be gauged from the fact that noted art director Nitin Desai, who has been roped in to design the stage, had left hospital midway through his treatment for food poisoning to start work on the assignment.
Desai was in Mulund's Fortis hospital when he got the all-important call. On October 28, two days after being admitted, BJP leader Vinod Tawde called Desai and explained the idea of a gala celebration to him.
"I requested my doctors to discharge me, but they advised otherwise. I took discharge against medical advice because I believe my work is my medicine. It is an honour to my skill to work on such assignments. I am now working under medication day and night, yet I am facing no physical problems," he said.
BJP too doesn't want to leave any stone unturned to ensure the ceremony is one of its kind. In a first, a 150x30 feet LED screen is going to be installed at Wankhede Stadium to air the ceremony. According to Desai, such an LED screen has been generally used in the US for the president's speech. Desai himself is using such a giant screen for the first time in his career.
"The stage, with a seating capacity of 200, will be semi-circular to align with the stadium's outline. I have installed the large LED screen to make sure everyone present gets a good view of the proceedings."
Giving details about the stage, Desai explained it will be hi-tech and at the same time highlight the state's culture. There will be a depiction of Shivaji Maharaj's coronation as well. The idea is to showcase the assimilation of ancient Maharashtra from the times of Shivaji and the modern state. The vision of the new government will also be highlighted. The design has been finalised after discussions with CM-designate Devendra Fadnavis, Tawde, and Ashish Shelar.
"We took great care to ensure there is no damage to the cricket ground, I am a cricket lover myself," Desai added.
It's expected to be a grand affair with about 40,000 guests, including prime minister Narendra Modi in attendance. Besides the formal ceremony, there will be a musical programme called Marathi Bana by Ashok Hande and his group. Set designers have also kept in mind cyclone Nilofer and made arrangements in case it rains heavily.
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