Shinde Sena shifts rally indoors at Goregaon’s Nesco Dome, while Uddhav Sena sticks to Shivaji Park despite waterlogging; Mumbai police on high alert with massive citywide deployment
Preparations underway at Nesco Hall No. 6 in Goregaon East for Shinde Sena’s Dussehra rally. Pic/Nimesh Dave
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s faction will hold its Dussehra rally today at the Nesco Centre in Goregaon, inside an air-conditioned dome, to counter the threat of rain. The venue, with a seating capacity of about 20,000 and a total capacity of 25,000, has been secured with high-level arrangements, including the deployment of a police dog squad.
Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) is sticking to tradition by holding its rally at the iconic Shivaji Park ground. Party workers, however, face the challenge of managing a waterlogged and muddy venue after recent downpours. Police have placed elaborate security arrangements at both venues to handle large crowds and avoid stampedes. Over 300 police personnel have been deployed at Shivaji Park and more than 200 at Nesco.
Shinde Sena at Nesco Dome
The Shinde-led Sena initially considered Azad Maidan but shifted the rally to Nesco Dome at the last minute due to rain forecasts. Two trained dogs, Shadow (6.5 years) and Jack (18 months), have been deployed to secure the premises. Shadow, who has been part of the Mumbai Police squad since 2019, has handled multiple bomb threats at the airport and won awards in police dog competitions. Jack is still under training.
Parking for 500–600 vehicles has been arranged inside the venue, while buses will be parked at Lodha Parking nearby. Police estimate 30,000 attendees based on seating, but party workers claim over 1 lakh supporters from Thane, Kalyan, Dombivli, and Mumbai will attend. VVIPs will occupy the first two rows, while MLAs and corporators will be seated on stage. “Our priority was to avoid rain trouble. Nesco Dome offers better facilities. We expect more than 1 lakh attendees,” said a party official.
DCP Mahesh Chimte (Zone 12) said, “We have deployed more than 200 policemen at Nesco. Proper pickup and drop points have been arranged, and traffic police will ensure smooth movement.”
Uddhav Sena at Shivaji Park
At Shivaji Park, organisers expect more than 2 lakh supporters. Despite heavy rains, the party has refused to move the rally. “This tradition has continued for decades and will remain so. Arrangements are in place, though we are concerned about rain and the ground conditions,” said a party functionary. Police have stationed over 300 policemen and 100 traffic cops around Shivaji Park. CCTV cameras will also monitor the crowd and traffic flow.
Citywide police alert
In addition to the rallies, Mumbai police have announced elaborate arrangements for Dussehra, Vijayadashami, and Navratri festivities on October 2. A total of 7 additional commissioners, 26 DCPs, 52 ACPs, 2890 officers, and 16,552 constables will be on duty across the city, supported by SRPF platoons, quick response teams, riot control units, and home guards. “All citizens are requested to remain vigilant, report unattended objects, and cooperate with the police. In case of emergency, dial 100 or 112,” said a police spokesperson.
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