Republic Day celebrated in Uttar Pradesh

The 65th Republic Day was Sunday celebrated in Uttar Pradesh's state capital and all district headquarters with traditional fervour and enthusiasm.

The main parade was held on the Vidhan Sabha Marg in Lucknow where Governor B.L. Joshi took the salute from security forces and state police contingents. Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav with his ministers and other dignitaries watched the march-past. Celebrations were also held at other government offices.

Four policemen were among those who received medals for meritorious services and gallantry.

The Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee, the state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP) also held celebratory functions at their party offices.

While BJP office in-charge Bharat Dixit hoisted the national flag, Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav addressed workers at the party office.

Saying the state government was taking good care of all sections of society, Mulayam Singh said none would be allowed to vitiate the atmosphere in Uttar Pradesh.

The SP chief also said at a rally to be held in Gonda soon he would respond to BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi's diatribe against him.

The former chief minister claimed the SP government had given maximum relief and compensation to the Muzaffarnagar riot victims.