UP Assembly Adjourned Sine Die Amid Opposition Protests Over Ram Temple Donations; NHAI Suspends Toll on Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway
Lucknow, August 6, 2026: The Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly was adjourned sine die a day ahead of schedule on Wednesday following continuous disruptions by Samajwadi Party members protesting the alleged donation theft at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
The three-day monsoon session saw the House function for less than three hours in total as opposition legislators thronged the well of the House, demanding a discussion on the issue. Speaker Satish Mahana made an emotional appeal for cooperation, expressing frustration at being unable to run the proceedings smoothly and questioning his own effectiveness. He later left the chair, after which senior BJP MLAs briefly presided before the House was adjourned.
Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey insisted that the opposition only sought an opportunity to raise the matter on the floor. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was not present in the House, marking a rare instance where he could not deliver a statement during the session. Despite the uproar, the supplementary budget was passed by voice vote.
In a related development affecting the state capital’s connectivity, the National Highways Authority of India suspended toll collection on the newly inaugurated Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway. The 63-kilometre, Rs 4,200-crore project, opened on July 13, developed surface slippage and sinking at multiple locations within weeks, particularly near kilometre 64 in Unnao. NHAI has initiated action against the concessionaire PNC Infratech, proposing to declare it a non-performer, removed three officials from the project, and directed complete rectification at the contractor’s cost. An expert team from IIT Kharagpur has been engaged for investigation.
Meanwhile, the city received relief from recent rains and cool winds. The India Meteorological Department recorded significant rainfall in parts of Lucknow on Wednesday, with further showers expected. Temperatures moderated, offering respite from humid conditions.
The Bahujan Samaj Party’s lone legislator in the Assembly, Uma Shankar Singh from Rasra in Ballia, passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer. BSP chief Mayawati paid last respects in Lucknow and described him as a dedicated and loyal leader. Condolences poured in from across the political spectrum, including from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
These developments underscore the political and infrastructural challenges facing the state capital as the monsoon season continues.
