'No Special Arrangements For Me', Yogi Adityanath Directs Officials In UP

Lucknow: Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, has instructed his officers not to make any special arrangements for him when he tours the state, days after criticism over his recent visits to homes where air-conditioners and a sofa were temporarily installed and taken away. "We are used to sitting on the floor," the priest-politician has told his administration.

Yogi Adityanath's order also says, "The Chief Minister deserves respect only if the people of the state feel respected."

Last month, the family of Prem Sagar -- a Border Security Force man who was murdered and mutilated in Jammu and Kashmir -- said the special arrangements made before the Chief Minister's visit left them "humiliated".

The local administration had installed an air-conditioner, rolled out a carpet, placed a sofa and laid out saffron-coloured towels for the special guest. All of it was taken away the moment he left, the family said.

Daya Shankar, brother of the martyred soldier, who also works with the BSF, said it was an "insult".

Last week, people belonging to the Musahar community, which is among the poorest in Uttar Pradesh, alleged they were given soap and shampoo by the local administration ahead of a visit by the Chief Minister. They were reportedly asked to bathe and clean up before they attended the function in Kushinagar.

In videos that were widely shared on the internet, people displayed the soap, shampoo and even washing powder packets they were allegedly given.