Tight security in city for Naidu’s coronation

Security has been beefed up at many places in and around the city in view of the Chief Minister-designate N. Chandrababu Naidu’s swearing-in ceremony on June 8.

A host of dignitaries including Union Ministers, State Cabinet ministers-designate, bureaucrats, the BJP and TDP leaders and VVIPs are expected to attend for the oath taking programme.

Unconfirmed reports say that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to participate in the formation of the first government of the residuary State of Andhra Pradesh.

Police have thrown a security blanket at all government buildings, guest houses, Gannavaram airport, Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam, Pandit Nehru Bus Station, railway station and other important places.

Hotels under scanner

Additional forces have also been deployed at the State Guest House, where ministers and top officials are expected to check-in. The guest house is being renovated for the programme.

Instructions have already been issued to the hotel owners in the city to collect the details of customers who are booking suits and inform the police on movement of strangers as a precautionary measure.

Officials also visited Irrigation, Police, Endowments, Municipal Corporation and other guest houses and reviewed the security arrangements. Paramilitary forces have been requisitioned at some places. “We received information that several VVIPs would attend the swearing-in ceremony. We are taking all steps for ensuring adequate bandobust for the guests,” said a police officer. Meanwhile, the officials are holding meetings with the TDP cadre to confirm the arrival of the top leaders of various political parties for the oath-taking programme.