Lucknow Students Stage March Against Lal Baradari Sealing, Demand Full Transparency
In a significant display of civic engagement, several student and social groups organized a march in Lucknow on Thursday to protest the sealing of the historic Lal Baradari structure. The demonstrators are demanding that the administration make public the official order and safety report that led to the closure of the nearly 200-year-old building.
Police Intervention and Student Ultimatum
The protest march was halted midway by police intervention, adding tension to the already charged atmosphere. This action followed a 48-hour ultimatum issued to Lucknow University, where students sought clear explanations for why the iconic structure was sealed without any public justification. The lack of transparency has fueled widespread frustration among the academic community and local residents.
Key Demands of the Protesters
The students presented a comprehensive list of demands during the demonstration:
- Full Disclosure: Immediate release of the official sealing order and the safety assessment report for Lal Baradari.
- Financial Transparency: Detailed accounting of the Rs 5 crore sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) scheme, which protesters claim has not been properly utilized.
- Protection of Rights: Withdrawal of any disciplinary actions taken against students who participated in peaceful protests, asserting that such expression is a fundamental democratic right.
Student Leader Voices Concerns
Amitesh Pal, a prominent student leader, articulated the core concerns driving the protest. "We are demanding transparency and accountability from the authorities," Pal stated. "Students should not face threats or punitive actions for raising legitimate concerns about university governance and historical preservation. Our right to peaceful protest must be respected."
Broad Coalition of Support
The march saw participation from a diverse alliance of organizations, reflecting widespread community concern. Groups involved included:
- All India Students' Association (AISA)
- All India Progressive Women's Association (AIPWA)
- All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU)
- Birsa Ambedkar Phule Students' Association (BAPSA)
- Bhagat Singh Manch (BSM)
- CPI(ML) Liberation
- Jan Sanskriti Manch
- Revolutionary Youth Association (RYA)
- Rihaai Manch
- Socialist Party
- Nationalist Youth Party
This coalition underscores the multi-faceted nature of the protest, bringing together student, youth, women, labor, and civil society voices.
University's Official Response
In response to the escalating situation, Lucknow University spokesperson Mukul Srivastava provided the administration's perspective. "The building was sealed solely because of its dilapidated and unsafe condition," Srivastava explained. "Regarding the financial allegations, the university has never received the Rs 5 crore under the PM-USHA scheme that the protesters are referencing. We are committed to student safety and transparent operations."
The conflicting narratives between protesters and university officials highlight the urgent need for clearer communication and documented evidence to resolve the dispute. As tensions persist, the demand for accountability and transparency remains at the forefront of this developing story in Lucknow's academic and historical landscape.
