Lucknow Building Fire Claims 15 Student Lives
At least 15 students were killed in a devastating fire that broke out in a multi-story building in Lucknow on Tuesday evening. The incident occurred in a commercial-residential complex in the Hazratganj area, with rescue operations continuing for hours. Officials confirmed that the fire started on the third floor, where a coaching center was located, and quickly spread due to flammable materials. Firefighters battled the blaze for over three hours, and 20 others were injured, with several in critical condition.
Rescue Efforts and Investigation
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased and ordered a high-level inquiry. The building owner and coaching center management have been detained for questioning. Eyewitnesses reported that many students jumped from windows to escape the flames, leading to additional injuries. The fire department cited a lack of proper fire safety measures as a contributing factor.
Political Reactions and Maharashtra Turmoil
In a separate development, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde made headlines by referring to rebels from the Uddhav Thackeray faction as 'dhurandhar' (cunning) after six MPs from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) joined the Shinde-led faction. Shinde stated, "All rebels are dhurandhar. They have recognized the true leadership of Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology." This move further consolidates Shinde's position ahead of the upcoming state elections.
Impact on State Politics
The defection of six MPs reduces Uddhav Thackeray's strength in Parliament and signals a shift in Maharashtra's political landscape. Political analysts suggest this could lead to a realignment of alliances, with the Shinde faction gaining momentum. The opposition has criticized the defections as undemocratic, while Shinde's camp celebrates the growing support.
