Sari stampede: Samiti fine with same venue

Although BJP Legislature Party leader Lalji Tandon is haunted by the sari distribution routine that turned his birthday bash last year into ...

Although BJP Legislature Party leader Lalji Tandon is haunted by the sari distribution routine that turned his birthday bash last year into a tragedy, members of the Mahanagar Vikas Samiti, having close links with the party, are bent on holding the function this time around, and at the same venue.

Tandon had clarified to The Indian Express yesterday that he did not want the sari distribution function to take place in Lucknow. ‘‘I have suggested to the organisers to distribute saris this time among the tsunami victims in other places,’’ Tandon had said. ‘‘I do not believe in cutting cakes or holding big bashes but this sari distribution is the only major programme that is observed on my birthday.’’

Samiti president Manoj Singh has submitted an application to the district magistrate in which he has sought permission to organise a function at Chandra Shekhar Azad park in Mahanagar locality, the venue of last year’s sari distribution. Singh, however, has not specified what kind of programme the Samiti would hold. He, however, said, the Samiti would go by Tandon’s wishes.

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Last year, more than 3,000 people gathered at the park which could hardly accommodate about a thousand. Besides, the organisers provided for only one gate for entry and exit. The chaos during distribution led to a stampede, leaving 21 women and a child dead. District magistrate Aradhana Shukla was shunted out but was brought back once the outrage died down.

DM R.N. Tripathi has forwarded the Samiti’s application to Trans-Gomti SP Anant Dev, asking him to prepare a feasibility report on the same.