MUMBAI (TIP): Bharatiya Janata Party leader Devendra Fadnavis will be sworn in as Maharashtra chief minister on Friday, October 31 at Wankhede stadium in Mumbai. The mega ceremony is likely to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several VVIPs. As such, a thick security blanket has been thrown in and around Wankhede Stadium.But even as the BJP is getting ready for its moment of glory at the iconic Wankhede stadium, it’s former ally Shiv Sena will be conspicuous by its absence. As the party did not find any place in the government, sources said the Sena has already made up its mind to sit in the opposition.

It is likely to announce its leader of opposition in the next few days. Names of senior leaders Ravindra Waikar, Dr Auti and Eknath Shinde are also doing the rounds. Sena leader Vinayak Raut said, “The party will not attend the swearing-in ceremony. The situation created is humiliating.” Senior BJP leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy said that Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray should attend the ceremony. “The BJP will go in to swearing-in ceremony with small cabinet. I don’t know whether Uddhav is coming or not but he should come.”

More than 2,500 security personnel are being deployed in and around the iconic and sprawling cricket ground in South Mumbai. Over 1,100 traffic policemen will ensure smooth movement of VIP and VVIP vehicles around the stadium and along the roads leading to the venue from domestic airport. The stadium, hosting the first open air oath-taking ceremony, has been declared a no flying zone, police said. Under the supervision of Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria, about 2,500 security personnel, including members from Mumbai Police, Special Protection Group (SPG) and Quick Response Teams, will maintain a strict vigil during the highprofile event, said Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Dhananjay Kamalakar.