Prime minister Narendra Modi will attend the historic Aishbagh Ramlila at Lucknow today on the occasion of Dussehra. He has announced that this year’s Vijaya Dashami is “very special” for the country. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh reached Lucknow on Monday evening ahead of Modi’s visit. Akhikesh Yadav, Rajnath Singh and Lucknow Mayor Dinesh Sharma are likely to welcome the Prime Minister at the airport. Modi is expected to land lucknow at 6pm and will further head for the venue of the celebrations.Uttar Pradesh’s Principal Secretary (Information) Navneet Sahgal said Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav will receive Modi at the city airport but is unlikely to attend the programme.
According to BJP national vice-president Dinesh Sharma, Rajnath Singh, Ram Naik and a state government minister will be present on the dais with the PM on the occasion. Akhilesh, he said, was also invited but his presence has not been confirmed.
Aishbagh Ramlila ground is decorated with 20 quintals of flowers. A 121-feet Ravan is erected and will be set afire through laser by PM Modi, in the presence of local MP Rajnath Singh and Dinesh Sharma today. 45 LED screens have been put at various crossings in the city so that people can watch the live coverage of the function.
Officials said that due to security reasons Modi will only participate in Vijaydashmi celebrations and leave the venue before the firecrackers begin.