Why Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Weekly Change Of Guard Ceremony Won't Be Held On June 8, 15 & 22

The Rashtrapati Bhavan has cancelled the weekly Change of Guard ceremony on June 8, 15, and 22 due to the preparations for the oath-taking ceremony of the Prime Minister and his council of ministers at its forecourt, and address to both the houses of the parliament by President Droupadi Murmu.

“The Change of Guard ceremony will not take place on June 8, 15, and 22, 2024 at Rashtrapati Bhavan due to the preparation for the Swearing-in-Ceremony of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers at Forecourt, Rashtrapati Bhavan and address to both the Houses of Parliament by the President,” it said in a statement as stated by media reports.

The change of guard ceremony is a military tradition which is held every week to enable a fresh group of the President’s Bodyguards (PBGs) to take over.

On Friday, Prime Minister-elect Narendra Modi met with President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan and staked the claim to form the government. Earlier in the day, PM Modi was elected the leader of the alliance in the NDA Parliamentary meeting.

Addressing reporters outside the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, the Prime Minister assured the citizens that development work would continue in his third term at the same pace as before. He also thanked the people for allowing NDA to serve the country for the third time.

Security beefed up in Delhi

Meanwhile, top officials from Delhi Police conducted a thorough security review at Rashtrapati Bhavan as part of the preparation for Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony for the third term as Prime Minister on June 9, reported news agency ANI.

Special security measures have also been arranged for foreign dignitaries attending the swearing-in ceremony, including enhanced protocols at three designated hotels where the dignitaries will be staying.

In addition to on-ground security, Delhi Police issued a public advisory on Friday announcing a No-Fly Zone over the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.

The advisory prohibits the operation of sub-conventional aerial platforms, which aims to prevent any potential threats from criminal, anti-social elements, or terrorists during the swearing-in ceremony.

The public advisory further said that the prohibition will be effective from June 9 to June 10, 2024. Violators will face penalties under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.

The security measures follow the formal appointment of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister by the President of India on Friday.