Delhi's Ramlila Maidan is set to witness yet another key event on Thursday (February 20) as Bharatiya Janata Party's Rekha Gupta takes oath for the post of chief minister of Delhi. In recently concluded Delhi Legislative Assembly Elections, the BJP managed to wrest power from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) which has been a dominant political force in Delhi state for last decade. BJP seized power after the hiatus of 27 years.
That the oath ceremony is taking place at Ramlila Maidan is a recognition of the venue's importance in hearts and minds of Delhiites. On Ramlila Maidan, important events have taken place even in the times of the British.
Significance of Ramlila Maidan
Ramlila literally means 'the legendary tale of Lord Ram'. Each year at the time of Dussehra, scenes from Ramayan, the great Indian epic are enacted at the Ramlila Maidan. The dramatic representation of Ramayan draws thousands of people to the grounds each year.
Ramlila Maidan has political significance too. It has witnessed agitations, speeches, protests and more.
Arvind Kejriwal rose to fame alongside Anna Hazare due to the Lokpal Bill demonstrations which took place at this very ground.
Ramlila Maidan's location makes it an ideal venue to make your voice heard in the national capital. It is located in Central Delhi near the iconic Red Fort and Jama Masjid.
It is well connected by Delhi's public transport. There are several metro stations in the vicinity. People can also reach Ramlila Maidan by bus.
The grounds had its significance even during British Raj. Even during those times, public gatherings and even military drills took place here.
The maidan is an open space in an area which has been densely populated for literally many centuries. It is often seen as microcosm of Delhi and people of various faiths, castes, religions converge here to take part in activities, or just an evening stroll. It is therefore not surprising that the BJP is holding Rekha Gupta's oath ceremony at this iconic landmark.
