SPG orders dismantling of PM Modi's rally stage at Brigade for security re-check

The Special Protection Group (SPG) has ordered the immediate dismantling of the main stage at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled mega-rally on March 14. This unexpected move came on Tuesday during a rigorous security inspection of the venue. The elite security agency mandated the removal of the structure to conduct a comprehensive underground sweep and soil testing at the exact spot where the Prime Minister is slated to address the public.

BJP leader Raju Banerjee, who is overseeing the ground preparations, confirmed that the work to dismantle the wooden and metal framework began Tuesday evening. The SPG officials emphasized that ensuring there are no underground vulnerabilities or hazards is a standard yet non-negotiable protocol for high-profile gatherings of this magnitude. The inspection is a proactive measure to secure the foundation before the structure is re-erected.

Despite the temporary setback, the BJP leadership has assured supporters that there is no cause for alarm regarding the event's schedule. Once the underground clearance is granted—expected by Wednesday morning—the construction of the stage will resume at an accelerated pace. The rally serves as the grand finale of the party's district-wise transformation journey ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.