The 70th Independence Day was celebrated with traditional fervour across Uttar Pradesh on Monday.Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav unfurled the tricolour at the Vidhan Sabha in the state capital city and spoke of the priorities of his government. He said all-round development and comprehensive progress of all sections of the society is the driving force for the state government.Akhilesh Yadav said that the Lucknow Metro Rail was the fastest Metro project in the country and spoke in detail about the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, the Kanya Vidyadhan scheme, projects and schemes for farmers, and the work done in Bundelkhand.He said that the Dial-100 facility would begin soon. Governor Ram Naik unfurled the flag at Raj Bhavan and exhorted political parties to contest elections with a clean frame of mind.Director General of Police (DGP) Javeed Ahmad unfurled the tricolour at the police headquarters here and lauded the efforts of the police force.
Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) President Raj Babbar hoisted the tricolour at the state headquarters of the party at Mall Avenue.He paid homage to the unsung martyrs and said that a lot of struggle and sacrifices by millions had ensured freedom to the country. He also credited the Congress party for successfully taking the nation into the 21st century.Bharatiya Janata Party legislator and state Vice-President Gopal Tandon unfurled the national flag at the state BJP headquarters on Vidhan Sabha Marg in the presence of party office-bearers and cadres. The District Magistrate of Lucknow, Raj Shekhar, presided over a flag hoisting event in the state capital.The Independence Day was also celebrated in all the 75 districts of the state. The Lucknow zoo, despite it being he weekly off for the staff, remained open on Monday to accommodate the huge rush of people, who were on an outing on the Independence Day.