Tight security at Raj Bhavan, traffic hit during swearing-in

Nearly 1,500 police personnel were deployed in front of the Raj Bhavan on Thursday morning as BJP supporters started gathering from 7 am to witness the swearing-in ceremony of B S Yeddyurappa.

Raj Bhavan continued to be the centre of political drama all morning.

With intelligence reports suggesting protests by Congress and JD(S) workers, police security was maximum.

There were crowds surrounding BJP leaders who were issuing entry passes to supporters.

BJP supporters had brought crackers for celebrations but the police did not allow them to burst them saying that no prior permission had been obtained.

Since the programme was fixed at the eleventh hour, many BJP workers could not make it to the programme.

Soon after the oath-taking began, police dispersed the crowd at the gate.

There were rumours that Congress and JD(S) supporters may try to lay siege to Raj Bhavan and mar the swearing-in. But the police ensured that workers of the two parties do not come near Raj Bhavan.

Police personnel 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 en-masse and holding any kind of protest were monitored or restrained (depending on the situation).

Traffic jams

Traffic on roads connecting Raj Bhavan and the surrounding areas was affected due to the huge gathering of BJP supporters right from the early morning on Thursday.

Police restricted entry of vehicles from GPO Circle to Chalukya circle and made alternative arrangements for the vehicles. There was a huge traffic jam in Chalukya Circle, Ambedkar Veedi, K R Circle and other areas.