Traffic affected on eve of Advani's yatra

Bhopal, Apr 26 (UNI) Normal traffic on several major roads in the state capital was affected, as the Madhya Pradesh Administration closed main roads and diverted traffic in view of senior BJP leader L K Advani's public meeting here tomorrow.

The main road, which lies opposite to Kamla Park and links the old part of the city to the new part, was closed for traffic at 1800 hrs for erecting stage for Mr Advani's public meeting tomorrow and in view of security arrangements.

As a result, traffic was diverted to other roads leading to old city via Rajbhawan and state police headquarters and its movement was reduced to a snail's pace.

Besides, arrival of BJP workers from nearby district increased the pressure on traffic.

Superintendent of Police Anant Kumar Singh claimed that arrangements had been made for improving traffic movement. However, it was necessary to give importance to security of VVIPs.

Some senior police officials admitted that preparing the stage at main road will cause inconvenience to public. Besides, the area was sensitive from security point of view.

Meanwhile, tight security arrangements have been made for Mr Advani's public meeting.

Senior police officials said besides SPG, 50 IPS officers and more than 8,000 police personnel have been deployed to ensure that no untoward incident would occur during the 'Bharat Suraksha Yatra'.

Mr Advani's yatra started from Jabalpur in morning and will reach here tonight. He will meet mediapersons tomorrow morning before addressing a public meeting.

UNI PKJ-PS MA BST2248