Stage set for Mamata Bannerjee's grand show at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata

In 1992, Mamata Banerjee had held a meeting at the same venue - Brigade Parade Grounds -- and had used the term ‘death knell’ for the Left Front-led ruling party in Bengal. Several years later, she dethroned the Left and formed agovernment in 2011.

This time around, she has once again used the term ‘death knell’, now for the BJP.

She had, a day earlier, said that the end of the BJP has begun and that the party will not get more than 125 seats in the upcoming polls.

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Leaders of over 20 opposition parties are expected to attend the rally at the iconic Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata on Saturday to vow to put up a united fight against the ruling government.

Why Brigade Parade Grounds?

This has been the traditional venue for the Left Front parties'annual congregation where hundreds and thousands of Left supporters gather. However, over the years, the numbers have been reduced to a dwindling thousand.

Not many political parties hold meetings at this one of the largest grounds in Eastern India fearing they might not be able to fill up the entire ground which can accommodate close to 15-17 lakh people.

But, Mamata has said more than 15 lakh people are expected to join the rally.

While UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi will be skipping the rally, Congress will be represented by senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge.

On the other hand, massive security arrangements are in place. Under the charge of DGP Wireless Department, a team has been formed with officers from Special Branch, Anti-Rowdy Squad and Special Task Force. They will look after the entire security arrangements for the VVIPs.

As many as 7,000 police personnel from Kolkata Police have been deployed who will be on duty round the clock. A control room has also been set up.

This apart, a dedicated corridor has been prepared for the VVIPs from the hotel to the venue.