The roller-coaster of events in Karnataka's politics led to the swearing-in ceremony of B S Yeddyurappa as Chief Minister at Raj Bhavan on Thursday morning.
The ceremony, mired in controversies, was provided with tight security. Nearly 1,500 policemen were deployed in front of the Raj Bhavan as BJP supporters started gathering at 7 am to witness the swearing-in.
The Raj Bhavan continued to be the centre of the political drama after an intelligence report suggested possible protests by the Congress and JD(S) workers.
BJP workers who were issuing entry pass for the ceremony were surrounded by a crowd of supporters to get into the Raj Bhavan.
The supporters had also brought crackers for celebrations but the police did not allow for lack of prior permission.
Since the programme was fixed at the eleventh hour, many BJP workers could not make it.
Soon after it concluded, police dispersed the crowd.
With rumours that the Congress and JD (S) supporters may try to lay siege to the Raj Bhavan and hold a protest, the police ensured that workers of the two parties did not come close to the Raj Bhavan.
Policemen were also deployed at entry points of the city such as Mysuru Road, Tumakuru Road and Ballari Road.
Congress and JD(S) supporters entering the city in large numbers and holding any kind of protest were monitored or restrained depending on the situation.
Traffic jams
Traffic on roads connecting the Raj Bhavan and the surrounding areas was hit as a large number of BJP supporters started filing in early in the morning.
Police restricted the entry of vehicles from the GPO Circle to Chalukya Circle and made alternative arrangements for vehicles.
There was a massive traffic jam at Chalukya Circle, Ambedkar Veedhi, KR Circle and other areas.
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