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Celebrations await PM in his constituency

Most national celebrations may have been called off following the devastating earthquake in Gujarat; even the traditional Beating the Retreat that has followed the Republic Day celebrations for half a century has been cancelled in view of the tragedy that befell the nation on Republic Day. But Lucknow is being decked up to receive Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who is to carry out several rituals on January 30-31.

State Housing and Urban Transport Minister Lalji Tandon, who is Vajpayee's Man Friday in Lucknow, had chalked out a series of inaugurations, the unveiling of a statue of a Kargil martyr and cutting of ribbons.

Source close to Tandon said, "The prime minister's programmes in Lucknow will stand. After all, he has not been to his constituency for very long."

They argued, "After all he is coming here after undertaking a tour of earthquake-hit areas."

With Special Protection Group personnel, looking after the PM's security, having arrived on Saturday, the security drill has been going on in full swing.

Roads are being repaired, welcome arches and banners are being erected and venues are being decked up to welcome the prime minister.

Lucknow is impressed by the unusual dedication with which the official machinery had got on to the job of beautifying the route of the VVIP.

However, some senior citizens wondered "whether it was appropriate on the part of the country's highest functionary to be participating in such celebrations, aimed largely at fulfilling his larger political objectives in his constituency, when the nation is mourning over the worst natural calamity in independent India."

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