Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who is also the Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Parliament from Lucknow, filed his nomination papers at the district collectorate on Monday.
Mohanlalganj MP Kaushal Kishore also filed his nominations for the Mohanlalganj Lok Sabha constituency on Monday, Both the leaders showcased a display of saffron unity that painted Hazratganj in ochre hues.
Rajnath commenced his day by visiting the Hanuman Setu temple in the morning to seek blessings from Lord Hanuman. He then proceeded from the BJP state office to the collectorate to file his nominations before noon.
Rajnath led the procession on an elaborately decorated ‘Vikas Rath’ highlighting the developmental projects carried out during his tenure in Lucknow. Joining him were Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, Deputy Chief Ministers Brajesh Pathak & Keshav Prasad Maurya, along with senior BJP leaders.
Kaushal Kishore also participated in the chariot procession, which was followed by a cavalcade of cars and thousands of party workers, traversing through Hazratganj amid scorching heat.
The route was thronged by enthusiastic party workers welcoming the procession with flower showers and slogans of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’, ‘Narendra Modi Ki Jai’, ‘Yogi Adityanath Ki Jai’, and ‘Rajnath Singh Ki Jai’.
Celebratory dances, singing, and drumming added to the fervour of the event. During the procession, CM Yogi Adityanath took charge of traffic control upon noticing an ambulance stuck in the crowd.
Saffron was the theme of the day, with party workers sporting yellow caps and gamchas, engaging in Holi celebrations with saffron flowers and colors. Participants dressed as Hanuman and Lord Ram added a festive touch to the event.
The procession was greeted at numerous stops by various communities and associations, symbolising the city’s diverse support.
Rajnath’s son Neeraj Singh expressed gratitude for the overwhelming public support and characterised the procession as the largest and most historic in Lucknow’s history.
In terms of development plans post-victory, Neeraj emphasised the commitment to tangible progress without making false promises.
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted the BJP’s goal of achieving victory in over 400 seats and criticised opposition parties for espousing “appeasement policies”.
Kaushal Kishore emphasised the absence of significant opposition and pledged continued development for his constituency. He urged voters to support the BJP to propel India towards greater heights under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

Rajnath Singh’s assets
increase to Rs 6.4 cr

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s assets have shown an increase in the past years since  the 2009 Lok Sabha elections. As per his affidavit, his total assets are worth Rs 6.4 crore, while his wife’s assets are worth Rs 90.7 lakh. Rajnath had declared assets worth Rs 1.49 crore in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, Rs 2.92 crore in 2014 and Rs 5.14 crore in Lok Sabha in 2019.