Delhi poll results: Ramlila Maidan gets quick facelift for Arvind Kejriwal's swearing in ceremony

NEW DELHI: Ramlila Maidan will once again keep its date with history when Arvind Kejriwal is sworn in as chief minister of Delhi on Saturday. The sprawling ground has witnessed many historical events attended by figures such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Lal Bahadur Shastri as well as Anna Hazare.

It was the venue where Shastri delivered his famous slogan, "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan". It was the place where Indira Gandhi addressed a huge rally following India's victory over Pakistan in the Bangladesh war. Now, Kejriwal will arrive at the venue to celebrate his second victory—first one was in 2013—and take oath as CM standing on the same dais.

Keeping in mind Saturday's swearing-in ceremony, North Delhi Municipal Corporation is undertaking repair and decorative work on the ground. The horticulture department has placed flower pots and ornamental plants at the venue.

"We have deployed over 50 employees to clean the ground. Boundary walls are getting repaired and fumigation is also being done. The stage has developed cracks and we are fixing the fissures," said a North Corporation official who is looking after the preparations. "Pruning of trees is being done and 15 mobile toilets will be placed on the ground. Two medical units will also be stationed," said Y S Mann, spokesperson, North Delhi Corporation.

For political rallies and other events, the ground can be booked for Rs 5,000 per day. However, there is no charge for government functions such as swearing-in ceremony.