Yogi Adityanath's new directive to UP govt officials - no red carpet, sofas and ACs during CM visits

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who has taken several austerity measures to end the 'VIP Raj' in the state, has now asked the state officials not to make any special arrangement at places where he is slated to visit.

According to India Today, the firebrand Chief Minister was forced to issue this directive after a major embarrassment caused following his visit to martyred BSF head constable Prem Sagar's home sometimes back.

CM Yogi Adityanath had visited martyred BSF head constable Prem Sagar's home in Deoria on May 12.

Prem Sagar, 45, was one of the two soldiers killed and mutilated, in an attack by Pakistan's Border Action Team on May 1.

In order to make the Chief Minister's visit comfortable, UP government officials had decked up Prem Sagar's home and placed a sofa, a red carpet, saffron towels to cover the table, and even installed an air-conditioner there.

The CM stayed at the martyred BSF jawan's home for a mere 15 minutes, and after he left, the officials removed all the items from the house.

The UP CM during his meeting with Prem Sagar's family gave Rs 6 lakh compensation, Rs 4 lakh in cheque and Rs 2 Lakh in cash. 

He promised jobs to both sons of the martyr and also better education for the children.

CM Yogi Adityanath took cognisance of the incident after it was reported by the media and directed the officials to exercise caution and behave more responsibly. 

"The Chief Minister is extremely unhappy with the incidents in Deoria and Gorakhpur where the CM had gone to offer condolence and relief to family members of martyrs," a note issued by the UP CM's office read.

The incident at the BSF martyrs home generated widespread outrage and was branded the ugliest possible form of VVIP culture.