Lucknow: Amidst much drama, the newly-appointed UP chief minister Aditya Nath Yogi has set the tone - his government means business. The surprise visit at Hazratganj Police Station, the strong stance on illegal slaughterhouses, the swift condolences for an acid attack survivor, and much talked-about anti-Romeo Squad, UP CM has kept everybody on their toes.
However, a heavy crackdown on illegal slaughterhouse has triggered an unprecedented reaction, too. Three slaughterhouses were set ablaze by unidentified men in Hathras on Tuesday. Unauthorised men can be seen "warning" allegedly illegal meat shop owners in the city.
A BJP volunteer, who has been doing the rounds of "allegedly" illegal meat vendors, says, "We think it's our responsibility to ensure all illegal meat shops are shut. Once the Chief Minister has issued the directive, what's stopping us?"
An acute shortage of buffalo meat has left the local vendors and restaurants devoid of business. On Saturday, all meat shops, across Lucknow, were shut. The meat vendors association has gone on a strike against the "pressure" they allege, they face from inspection authorities.
The iconic Tudany Kababi, which is synonymous with Lucknow's Awadhi cuisine, has also shut shop. It's not just about buffalo meat, they tell CNN-News18, "we don't even have a supply of chicken and mutton here".
Tunday Kababi owner Abu Bakr says, "We have voted for the government. PM said 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas', our business is severely hit. We request the govt to save our businesses."
Among the few restaurants that are open, hotel Madina has now adopted a vegetarian menu, selling Soybean Kebab. Madina hotel owner tells CNN-News18 that this is the first time when his restaurant has "daal on the menu". "How will we survive if no one buys vegetarian food. The government should have thought through," he laments.
At SRS mall in Gomti Nagar, youngsters complain about the anti-Romeo squads. While the UP CM has reiterated only troublemakers will be taken to the task, the ground reality is "disturbing".
A second-year graduate student, Sheetal says, "While the intention of the Chief Minister is to ensure women's safety, the situation is exactly the opposite. Policemen and unauthorised volunteers are harassing young couples. They even ask for a bribe."
In his first address as UP CM, Aditya Nath Yogi on Saturday tried assuaging the apprehensions of the minority community. Assuring that he will follow PM Modi's "Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas" mantra and "nobody will be discriminated against on the caste, views or religious grounds" under his rule.
Many Muslims at the historical Bada Imambara -- a shrine always deluged with tourists from across the country -- are optimistic about the new BJP-led government in the state. Fifty-five-year-old Ehsan Rizvi says, "Lucknow wants to give the new Chief Minister a chance to bring a positive change. He has shown a different attitude. He might bring law and order in place."
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