Keshav Prasad Maurya calls August 5 a historic date, recalling Article 370’s abrogation and the Ram Temple’s foundation-laying ceremony
Lucknow: The Monsoon Session-2026 of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council concluded. At the closing of the session, Deputy Chief Minister and Leader of the House Keshav Prasad Maurya thanked Chairman Kunwar Manvendra Singh for conducting the House’s proceedings in a fair and dignified manner.
Maurya said the Chairman had drawn on his extensive parliamentary experience and skilled leadership to maintain balance between both sides of the House, giving every member a proper opportunity to voice their views. He added that the House had continued to benefit from the Chairman’s guidance throughout the session.
The Deputy Chief Minister also expressed gratitude to leaders across party lines who contributed constructively during the session — including Apna Dal’s Ashish Patel, Nishad Party’s Sanjay Kumar Nishad, Jansatta Dal Loktantrik’s Akshay Pratap Singh, Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party’s Vichhe Lal Ram, Rashtriya Lok Dal’s Yogesh Chaudhary, independent group leader Raj Bahadur Singh Chandel, and Shikshak Dal’s Dhruv Kumar Tripathi. According to Maurya, these leaders and members upheld the dignity of the House and followed parliamentary traditions in their conduct.
Among the session’s key outcomes, Maurya noted that the Supplementary Budget for financial year 2026-27 was passed in a cordial and positive atmosphere, for which he congratulated all members of the House.
The Significance of August 5
The Deputy Chief Minister said August 5 holds a special place in Indian history, marking two major milestones. On this date in 2019, the historic decision was taken to abrogate Article 370 and Article 35-A in Jammu and Kashmir. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and the efforts of Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the region’s subsequent progress, saying Jammu and Kashmir is now moving forward on a path of development and peace, with the tricolour flying proudly in homes there just as it does across the rest of the country.
He also recalled that August 5, 2020, was the day the foundation-laying ceremony (Bhoomi Pujan) took place for the grand Ram Temple at the birthplace of Lord Ram in Ayodhya, and extended greetings to devotees of Lord Ram across the country and the state on the occasion.
Advance Wishes for Independence Day
Looking ahead to Independence Day on August 15, Maurya said the occasion is a time to remember with reverence those who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s freedom, and to renew the collective resolve toward the country’s unity, integrity, and sovereignty. He extended advance wishes to the people of the state and the nation.
Thanks to the Media and House Staff
Maurya also thanked journalists and photographers from print media, electronic media, Doordarshan, and All India Radio, saying the media plays a vital role in bringing the House’s proceedings and matters of public interest to citizens. He further thanked the Principal Secretary of the Legislative Council and all officials and staff for carrying out their duties with dedication and integrity throughout the session.
Concluding his remarks, the Deputy Chief Minister once again expressed special gratitude to the Chairman, saying his contribution to upholding the dignity, discipline, and democratic traditions of the House had been invaluable.
