Lucknow: The Jayaprakash Narayan International Centre stands as a clear reflection of the previous administration’s administrative failures and financial improprieties. During the inauguration of the grand statue of Veerangana Avantibai Lodhi alongside Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath affirmed that the state government maintains absolute intolerance toward dishonest practices and unlawful activities.
The project, dedicated to the memory of a leader who fought for democracy, saw its estimated cost surge from Rs 200 crore to Rs 864 crore while remaining incomplete well past its 18-month deadline. Control of the facility was initially placed under a committee comprising private individuals associated with the Samajwadi Party. The state administration has since dissolved that governing body, taking back the facility to operate it under the Lucknow Development Authority to preserve the memory of Jayaprakash Narayan while pursuing legal recovery of the misspent funds.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister declared that public resources belong strictly to the citizens of Uttar Pradesh and will not be permitted to be appropriated for partisan interests. Criticism was voiced regarding past governance, noting an era marked by social division, civic instability, land seizures, and an unsafe environment for women.
The current administration maintained a strong focus on social cohesion and the advancement of women across the state. Through initiatives like Mission Shakti, comprehensive steps are being taken to guarantee safety, dignity, and economic self-reliance for female citizens. Three new Women Provincial Armed Constabulary Battalions have been established in Lucknow, Gorakhpur, and Badaun, named in honour of historical figures Uda Devi, Jhalkari Bai, and Avantibai Lodhi.
The state government reaffirmed its commitments to youth and senior citizens by introducing free bus travel for women over 60 years of age and providing two-wheelers to graduating female students under the Rani Lakshmibai scheme.
Reflecting on historical legacies, the Chief Minister asserted that the life of Veerangana Avantibai Lodhi serves as a permanent symbol of courage and national unity. Her leadership during the 1857 War of Independence continues to inspire collective solidarity across society. Memorial projects, including the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal and educational institutions named after prominent leaders, stand as reminders of good governance and service to the nation.
Union Minister B.L. Verma, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, State Cabinet Minister Dharampal Singh, and basic education minister Sandeep Singh attended the event organized by the Kshatriya Lodhi Mahasabha.
