The city police, it seems, is in no mood to entertain the state government's idea of holding a massive rally at Palace Grounds on Saturday at the culmination of the students' anti-terror campaign.

Aravind Limbavalli, state minister for higher education, had indicated that he expected around six lakh students to gather. But Police Commissioner Shankar M Bidari has different plans. "I have informed the education department that the police will not accept an application for such a large gathering. They can apply for the license as per the ruling of the High Court.''

In November last year after a rally of the JD(S) had led to choked roads across the city, the High Court had directed the police department not to grant permission for public functions that gather crowds of over 15,000.

Bidari clarified that arrangements for security would be made once the licence is granted. BJP leader LK Advani is expected to address the student gathering.

Soumya Menon/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication