UP sanctions huge budget of Rs. 165 cr for Diwali celebrations

Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Rita Bahuguna on Tuesday said that the state government has granted Rs. 165 crore for Diwali celebrations in Agra.

Speaking to ANI, Joshi said, "Around Rs. 165 crore has been granted toward the decoration and preparation for Diwali celebration. Yogi Adityanath will be visiting few Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) committee members of that area. His visit is going to be grand; not just for the party members but also for the celebration, as it is his maiden visit to Agra".

Further speaking on the Shia Waqf Board gifting 10 silver arrows for Lord Ram statue, Bahuguna said that the announcement is just an idea nothing has been implemented yet, will comment when things are final.

Earlier in the day, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that, "Taj Mahal is very important for us, especially from tourism perspective it is our priority to provide facilities and safety to tourists there. It does not matter who built it and for what reason; it was built by blood and sweat of Indian labourers".

Adityanath further asserted that his government will organise a special, world class event on Diwali in Ayodhya.

UP Chief Minister is all set to visit Agra on October 26. He will also visit the Taj Mahal and attend a programme to promote tourism.

This would be his maiden visit to the mausoleum of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal, after being sworn into office earlier this year.