Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to visit the ISKCON temple in Mayapur, where he will take part in the 152nd birth anniversary celebration of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur on February 18. According to sources, Shah’s helicopter is expected to land at Kolkata airport around 2 PM on the day of the visit. From there, he will travel to Mayapur in an army helicopter, landing at a specially arranged temporary helipad.
A festive mood has already enveloped Mayapur ahead of the Home Minister’s arrival. Shah was earlier scheduled to visit the temple, but that programme was cancelled due to special reasons. With the upcoming assembly elections on the horizon, political observers are viewing this visit as highly significant, both politically and religiously.
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Home Minister's packed schedule in Mayapur
According to sources, from the temporary helipad, Amit Shah will first reach ISKCON's Shankha Bhavan by road. From there, he will have darshan of the deities of Radhamadhav and Panchatatva. He is also scheduled to perform aarti of the Lord in the temple. After this, the Home Minister may sit in a special meeting with sadhus and saints at ISKCON Mayapur's Padma Bhavan. From there, Amit Shah will participate in the birth ceremony of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur.
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Countless devotees and invited guests from home and abroad will be present at this ceremony. After completing the ceremony, he will depart for Kolkata by helicopter in the evening.
Security arrangements and preparations
The Nadia district administration and police are at their peak activity surrounding the Home Minister's visit. Senior police officials are reviewing security everywhere from Mayapur's temporary helipad to the temple premises and Shankha Bhavan. Security drills and area inspections are being conducted repeatedly.
