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.