Saffron sea welcomes BJP's return to power

While some were hopeful that the govt will soon disburse the promised funds for women, many said a female CM will understand their grievances

- Jasjeev Gandhiok, Karn Pratap Singh and Paras Singh

remained festive. "People voted for the BJP because they are hopeful of change," said 60-year-old Sohan Lal, who travelled from Inderpuri. "I came here to see the party's senior leaders in person. I want them to improve Delhi's roads, fix the sewerage problems plaguing many neighbourhoods, and provide better education. This government has promised development, and we are hopeful."

The VIP and media enclosures were lined by members of the Delhi Police band, dressed in white, red, and blue, playing patriotic songs. Besides, there were also at least 10 musical artists from the Sadho band, playing devotional and patriotic songs on a separate platform near the main stage from 11am. Chants of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and "Jai Shri Ram" were also commonplace, reverberating around the area throughout the day.

Thirty-five-year-old Govind Giri, a priest from Harihar temple in Kamla Market, said: "I have worn saffron all my life, but to see an entire part of the city turn saffron is a proud moment. The new government has given us priests a lot of respect. This is the reason someone like me is here to witness the occasion."

The entrance to the VIP enclosure was manned by assistant commissioners and inspectors of police, to allow only those with invitation cards. A team of the National Security Guard (NSG), equipped with hi-tech gadgets and weapons, was also present on their specially designed armoured vehicle outside the venue.