The political atmosphere in Lucknow intensified after the Indian National Congress announced a major gherao of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly at 11:00 AM under the leadership of state president Ajay Rai. Ahead of the protest, police reportedly placed several Congress leaders under house arrest, triggering sharp reactions from the party. Congress termed the action an attempt to suppress democratic dissent and claimed that workers and supporters from across Uttar Pradesh have gathered in large numbers for the demonstration. The protest centers on alleged delays in wage payments under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), with party leaders accusing the government of withholding payments to laborers for up to 11–12 months. The party also alleged a broader plan to weaken the rural employment scheme, impacting economically vulnerable families. With heavy mobilization and security arrangements in place, today’s protest is expected to significantly escalate the political confrontation in the state capital.


