Brigade Parade Ground on lockdown for Bengal CM oath ceremony
Synopsis
Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground is under its tightest security cover in years — 30 sections, 4,000 officers, rooftop surveillance, and possible central forces deployment — all for a swearing-in ceremony that will place PM Modi, Amit Shah, and multiple NDA Chief Ministers on a single stage in Bengal.
Key Takeaways
Brigade Parade Ground , Kolkata, divided into 30 sections ahead of the new Bengal CM's oath-taking ceremony on Saturday .
Nearly 4,000 police personnel to be deployed; each section commanded by a Deputy Commissioner or Assistant Commissioner .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be present on the main stage.
Chief Ministers of Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar , and Madhya Pradesh among confirmed attendees.
CCTV cameras , door-frame metal detectors, rooftop surveillance with binoculars, and possible central forces deployment planned.
Vehicle diversions expected on Saturday to manage traffic around the venue.
The Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata has been placed under an extensive security cover ahead of the new West Bengal Chief Minister's oath-taking ceremony on Saturday, with the sprawling venue divided into 30 sections and nearly 4,000 police personnel set to be deployed. The high-stakes event will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Ministers of several NDA-ruled states.
Security Architecture on the Ground
The Lalbazar — Kolkata Police headquarters — convened a dedicated security review meeting on Wednesday to finalise deployment plans. Each of the 30 sections into which the Brigade Parade Ground has been divided will be commanded by an officer of the rank of Deputy Commissioner or Assistant Commissioner of Police, supported by inspectors, sub-inspectors, ASIs, and constables.
Officers of the rank of Additional Police Commissioner and Joint Police Commissioner will oversee security for the entire brigade area. According to police officials, central forces personnel may also be deployed on the ground if the situation warrants additional reinforcement.
Technology and Surveillance Measures
A sufficient number of door-frame metal detectors (DFMDs) will be installed at entry points, and hand-held metal detectors will be issued to personnel on duty. Strict anti-weapons checks have been put in place to ensure no illegal arms enter the venue.
Surveillance will be maintained round-the-clock using binoculars from rooftops of multi-storey buildings surrounding the ground, supplemented by a network of CCTV cameras covering the entire brigade area. Special attention will be directed at the main stage, where Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah are expected to be seated.
VIP Attendees and Political Significance
The ceremony will see the presence of Chief Ministers from several BJP-ruled states, including Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh, along with senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) central leaders. The gathering underscores the political weight the BJP is attaching to the event — a show of federal solidarity at one of the country's most prominent public venues.
Traffic and Crowd Management
Kolkata Police have indicated that designated parking zones will be demarcated for the event. On Saturday, vehicles may be diverted to alternate routes as needed to prevent traffic congestion in and around the Brigade Parade Ground area. Residents and commuters in the vicinity have been advised to plan their movements accordingly.
With the ceremony drawing national political leadership to Kolkata, security agencies are leaving little to chance — and the scale of deployment signals that authorities are treating this as one of the most security-intensive public events the city has hosted in recent years.
Point of View
000 officers across 30 sections for a state-level swearing-in reflects the political sensitivity of holding a high-profile BJP event in Kolkata — a city where the party's relationship with the establishment has historically been fraught. The presence of PM Modi, Amit Shah, and multiple NDA Chief Ministers on a single stage in West Bengal amplifies both the symbolic and logistical stakes. Whether this level of mobilisation becomes the new baseline for political gatherings in the state is a question worth watching.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the new West Bengal Chief Minister's oath-taking ceremony being held?
The oath-taking ceremony is being held at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata on Saturday. The venue has been divided into 30 sections and placed under heavy security cover.
Who will attend the Bengal CM swearing-in ceremony?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, senior BJP central leaders, and Chief Ministers of NDA-ruled states including Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh are expected to attend.
How many police personnel are being deployed for the ceremony?
Approximately 4,000 police personnel are being deployed at the Brigade Parade Ground. Central forces jawans may also be called in if additional security is required.
What security measures are in place at the Brigade Parade Ground?
Security measures include division of the ground into 30 sections, door-frame and hand-held metal detectors, CCTV camera coverage, rooftop surveillance with binoculars, and strict anti-weapons checks at all entry points.
Will there be traffic disruptions in Kolkata on the day of the ceremony?
Yes, Kolkata Police have said vehicles may be diverted to alternate routes on Saturday to prevent congestion near the Brigade Parade Ground. Designated parking zones will also be put in place.
