In an unexpected moment on the streets of Lucknow, Brajesh Pathak, the Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, stopped his convoy after noticing hundreds of protesting Gram Pradhans sitting under the blazing sun near the Gandhi statue in Hazratganj.
The village heads had gathered in the state capital to protest against the possible appointment of administrators after their tenure ends this month. Many of them had traveled from distant districts across the state, hoping their voices would reach the government.
When Pathak saw the group enduring the harsh summer heat, he chose to step out and speak directly with them. Witnesses said the Deputy CM walked toward the protesters, greeted several Gram Pradhans, and asked about their concerns. The interaction quickly drew attention from people present at the spot.
Concerned about the weather conditions, Pathak reportedly told the protesters that the heat was extremely intense and urged them to take care of their health. He asked whether they had been drinking enough water and advised them to stay hydrated during the protest.
Shortly afterward, he instructed officials to arrange drinking water and sweets for the protesters. Boxes of laddoos and other sweets were brought to the spot, and the Deputy CM personally distributed them among the Gram Pradhans. The gesture brought a brief moment of relief and surprise among the protesters who had been sitting there for hours.
The Gram Pradhans had gathered to demand an extension of their tenure, which is set to expire later this month. According to discussions among the protesters, the government may appoint administrators once the current term ends. Village heads argue that such a move could disrupt ongoing development projects and weaken local governance in rural areas.
Many of the protesting leaders said they wanted the government to allow elected representatives to continue working until the next Panchayat elections are held. They believe extending their tenure would help maintain continuity in village-level development programs.
During the conversation, Pathak assured the Gram Pradhans that their concerns would be conveyed to the appropriate authorities. While he did not make any immediate policy announcement, he promised that their demands would be taken seriously and communicated to the government.
The brief interaction between the Deputy CM and the protesters quickly became a talking point in the area, as it showed a rare moment of direct engagement between the state leadership and grassroots representatives.
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Even after the Deputy CM left, many Gram Pradhans continued their protest at the Hazratganj site. They say their agitation will continue until the government gives a clear decision on their demand to extend the tenure of elected village heads.
The situation highlights the growing concern among local representatives across Uttar Pradesh about the future of village administration and the role of elected leaders in rural governance.
Summary
Hundreds of Gram Pradhans from across Uttar Pradesh gathered in Lucknow to protest against the possible appointment of administrators after their tenure ends this month. During the protest at Hazratganj, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak stopped to meet the protesters, spoke with them about their concerns, and arranged water and sweets to help them cope with the intense heat. He also assured them that their demands would be conveyed to the government.