BJP’s demolition drive leaves thousands of Muslims homeless in UP
Lucknow: A massive eviction drive in Lucknow’s Akbarnagar has left thousands of residents, mostly Muslims, homeless in the garb of the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government’s plans to develop the area into an ecotourism hub in Uttar Pradesh.
According to Kashmir Media Service, on June 19, authorities demolished around 1,800 structures, including 1,169 houses and 101 commercial establishments on the pretext of transforming the area into the Kukrail Riverfront.
Many residents, who have lived in the area for decades, said they had been living there even before the development authority was formed. “Our houses will be demolished, and now the government will make a riverfront here. You tell me what is more important, a poor person’s house or a riverfront,” asked one of the victims.
The demolition drive has raised concerns about the treatment of marginalized communities, with many accusing the government of targeting Muslims and other vulnerable groups. The incident has sparked a wider debate about the balance between development and the rights of residents.
