Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath officially announced the renaming of the Kasari-Masari locality in Prayagraj to Sri Krishnapuri during his visit to the city on Thursday. The area was historically identified as a stronghold of the late gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed. The announcement coincided with the Chief Minister laying the foundation stone for a major residential project intended for the underprivileged.
Under the initiative, the government plans to construct a housing colony for approximately 1,200 poor families on land that was previously reclaimed from Atiq Ahmed. According to officials, the project is being executed under the Padmalok Awas Yojana. The first phase of this development aims to provide homes to 602 families, while the second phase will accommodate another 598 families. The construction, estimated to cost over Rs 191 crore, will be carried out on 9,811 square metres of land.
Addressing the gathering after performing the bhoomi pujan for the residential colony, Adityanath stated that the entire area will be developed as a planned township. Beyond residential units, the project is slated to include infrastructure such as a market, park facilities, dedicated sports areas, and a gymnasium. The Chief Minister noted that once completed, the residential complex is expected to house between 6,000 and 6,500 residents.
The land designated for this project was previously occupied by Atiq Ahmed and his associates, who had reportedly used the site to build a stable. The administration had earlier intervened to demolish the illegal structures and reclaim the approximately 15 bighas of land. This follows a similar state-led initiative in the Lukarganj area of Prayagraj in 2023, where high-rise residential units were constructed on land previously held by the same individual.
During his speech, the Chief Minister maintained that the government remains committed to a policy of zero tolerance toward crime. He asserted that no criminal would receive leniency and warned that anyone engaging in mafia activities would face severe consequences. Adityanath alleged that previous administrations, specifically targeting the Samajwadi Party, had allowed such figures to operate with impunity, effectively surrendering to their influence. He contrasted this with the current government’s focus on development and infrastructure.
The Chief Minister also announced plans to establish an Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Prayagraj, which is to be named after Maharaja Bijli Pasi. He cited the historical contribution of Maharaja Bijli Pasi in protecting Sanatan Dharma as the motivation for the naming. This project serves as an additional component of the ongoing development efforts in the city.
The backdrop to these developments includes the significant shifts in local dynamics following the death of Atiq Ahmed and his brother, Ashraf, who were killed in police custody three years ago. The incident occurred while they were being escorted for a medical examination. Shortly before this, Atiq’s son, Asad, had been killed in a police encounter. The state administration continues to use land reclamation as a central pillar of its strategy to dismantle the influence previously exerted by such figures in the region.
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