Confident of win, BJP plans ‘political event’ to celebrate; likely over weekend

Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha Secretariat is putting preparations in place to facilitate the travel of newly-elected MPs from across the country, their arrival at transit points such as the airport and railway stations, and their stay in the Capital, said sources.

PM Narendra Modi. (PTI/File)

The “political event” is likely to be held at the Bharat Mandapam or Kartavya Path on the same day as the official swearing-in, said sources. It is being themed as a showcase of the “cultural heritage of India”, with a possible sound-and-light show. It is likely to be attended by 8,000-10,000 people, including “representatives of foreign governments”.

According to a senior government functionary, the plans for the celebration/ cultural event after the swearing-in ceremony have not been finalised yet, but could take place on June 9.

In 2019, the government took oath on May 30, a week after the results were declared.

A senior BJP leader said the “political event” was discussed, along with the logistics of hosting “a large gathering”, especially given the prevailing weather conditions. “The event is understood to have been discussed by the senior leadership, and various venues ranging from the Ramlila Maidan and Red Fort to the Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi Convention Centre were selected as options,” the party leader said.

“Given the heat, the event is likely to be held at indoor facilities like the Bharat Mandapam or Yashobhoomi — both of which the Prime Minister has underlined as symbols of the Centre’s infrastructural push in the Capital. While the Bharat Mandapam was the venue of the successful G20 Summit as well as the BJP national executive last year, Yashoboomi is seen as having immense potential for commercial activity in the future,” said a BJP source.