Haveri fortified for KJP convention

Securtiy is beefed up in the city for the mega political convention on Sunday, where former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa will officially launch the Karnataka Janata Party (KJP).

Superintendent of Police Chetan Singh Rathor told Express that as many as 1,000 police personnel, including 635 constables and head constables, 110 ASIs, four deputy superintendents of police, eight platoons of District Armed Reserve police, 10 platoons of Karnataka State Reserve Police and 100 home guards are deployed across the city. “A special help line is set up at the police control room.  Gadag SP is camping in Haveri,” he said.

The Old Pune-Bangalore Highway will remain closed from 6 am to 9 pm. Only police and VIP vehicles, and ambulances be allowed to use the road.

All the roads leading to the venue are decked with the huge flexes showcasing key schemes and programmes initiated by Yeddyurappa during his term as the chief minister. The buntings of KJP and flags with his photos have been put up on the Bangalore-Pune National Highway Number 4 that passes by the city.

Large parking lots have been made at four locations in the city. As a precautionary measure, ambulances will be stationed at various places around the venue.

According to the SP, the population of Haveri is around 70,000. “As per our estimation, around 2 lakh people are expected to be in the city on Sunday. Though it is a challenging task, we are ready to ensure that there will be no breach of peace,” the SP added.

800 Cooks At Work

“Elaborate arrangements have been made at a makeshift kitchen at KLES CB Kolli Polytechnic Ground,” MLC Shivarajj Sajjanar said.

Uppittu and sira will be served in the morning followed by palav and sira later in the day. As many as 800 cooks will at work for the purpose.

Four trucks of rice and other items are brought.

As many as 400 food counters  will be thrown open on Sunday morning. Lunch will be served after 10.30 am. A special counter will be there for the VVIPs and media.

Nine lakh sachets of water (200 ml each) and six lakh sachets of buttermilk have been ordered for the convention.

Additional Pandal

Anticipating a huge turnout, organisers have erected an additional pandal of 200x200 square metres on the right side of the venue. An additional 50,000 plastic chairs have been kept along with the 1.50 lakh chairs.

Yeddyurappa told reporters at the venue that no leader will be garlanded during the function.  “Instructions have been given to the organisers not to allow anybody with garlands to the stage,” he added.