Venues ready to host BJP meet; security upped at Sarovaram

KOZHIKODE: Elaborate arrangements are in place for the three-day BJP national council meeting beginning here on Friday. The main venue at Sarovaram biopark is a two-lakh square feet  air-conditioned space which can  accommodate up to 5,000 people.   The elite crowd consists of 1,800 delegates, including Union ministers, chief ministers of various states, state ministers, BJP volunteers, personnel from intelligence, police, Special Protection Group commandos and the media.

Special facilities are in place for the temporary office of the prime minister.  SPG officials have already conducted several rounds of spot examinations and trials of entry and exit of the prime minister.  The temporary office has a mini-conference hall for an emergency meeting,  space for dining, media interaction, rest and also e-toilets. The major convention hall is 100 feet wide and 200 feet long. BJP state general secretary A.N. Radhakrishnan who is in charge of the venue told DC that all works were  over except finishing touches. 

Labourers busy erecting fences as part of security arrangements ahead of PM Narendra Modi's visit for BJP National Council meeting at Kannur Road, Kozhikode on Thursday. (Photo: DC)

“Four temporary bridges across Canoly Canal have been constructed of which one can allow vehicles into the venue, which is built exclusively for the prime minister,”  he said.   The venue is a blend of the occidental technology and oriental aesthetics. The construction of the pandal sans any digging of the earth is based on German technology whereas the aesthetics inside is the traditional one with theyyam, kadhakali, boat race, Thrissur pooram and  more.  

Two large dining halls are ready.  The media room will have all the latest connectivity facilities. A police official told DC that the venue was already under the close watch of security agencies. Scores of plainclothes officers were deployed. The police have  made elaborate security arrangements in the city with as many as 2,300 personnel  under nine SPs. Security personnel also have  evaluated the safety and security aspects of the Government Guest Ho-use compound where the prime minister is expected to stay on Saturday.