Yogi Adityanath Cancels Ayodhya Visit After COVID-Infected UP Minister Passes Away

Lucknow: UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath cancelled his Sunday trip to Ayodhya after a minister in his cabinet succumbed to coronavirus.

Kamala Rani Varun, UP’s minister for technical education, tested COVID positive on July 15 and was under treatment at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS). The 62-year-old Varun was a legislator from Ghatampur Assembly segment.

CM Yogi was on Sunday supposed to review preparations and security arrangements being made in Ayodhya for the ‘bhumi pujan’ of Ram temple, to be held on August 5. A meeting with senior saints and seers was also scheduled.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be present during the ‘bhumi pujan’ function, scheduled to take place around noon on Wednesday.

Ayodhya will be illuminated for three days — August 3 to 5 — to mark the occasion. All residents have been asked to light diyas in their homes during those three days.