Yogi’s coronation set to be a monumental political show

Lucknow: The coronation of Yogi Adityanath and his cabinet on Friday after BJP’s historic election victory is set to be a monumental political event, unsurpassed in size, celeb presence and fervour with the state capital wearing a distinct saffron hue. All roads decked up with hoardings and cutouts of Yogi and Modi lead to Ekana stadium — venue of the swearing-in — where the country’s top political leadership, 12 chief ministers, corporate honchos, Bollywood stars and celebrities from various fields will assemble on a single podium to usher BJP’s second innings in Uttar Pradesh.Police will be grappling with a turnout of over one lakh amidst an unprecedented security cover over the city, particularly the venue and its vicinity.Twenty blocks have been erected at the stadium to house VIPs near the main stage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chief minister-designate Yogi Adityanath, Governor Anandiben Patel, home minister Amit Shah, defence minister Rajnath Singh, Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan and BJP president JP Nadda will be accorded the highest protocol, followed by chief ministers of other states on main stage. Invites have also been sent to senior leaders of the Opposition, including Congress, SP and BSP.
A mammoth LED screen has been erected in the rear of the 100-foot long and 40-foot-wide stage, which will telecast proceedings live. At least eight large LED screens have been set up on the stands of the stadium to enable the crowd to view the ceremony. Two large lotus symbols have been etched on the ground with a sprinkle of petals. A separate VIP block has been earmarked to host seers.
While 6,500 cushioned seats have been placed at the 20 blocks, which will house special state guests, more than 20,000 chairs have been stationed on the ground for other invitees.
To reaffirm UP’s commitment to investments after bagging the second slot in ease of doing business last year, India’s top honchos and industry leaders, including Tata, Ambani, Adani, Birla, Bajaj and Anand Mahindra have been invited.
Similar invites have been extended to other big players, including Samsung, Sleepwell and senior executives of Zurich AG’s subsidiary that will set up the Noida international airport.
Modi and Yogi is resplendent on posters, banners and cutouts put up across the city with welcome messages for those heading towards the stadium via Arjunganj, Shaheed Path, Sultanpur Road and Gomtinagar Extension.
A scintillating display of fireworks will be held at 10 different places in the state capital, the grandest ones will be at Laxman Mela grounds, Hazratganj and near Ekana stadium venue. Similarly, metallic frames have been moulded to hold small flower pots on 150 vertical gardens. More than 40 temples in the city will wear a new halo with flowers and special illumination.