LUCKNOW, Aug. 16 -- Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday said if his party forms the government in Uttar Pradesh in 2027, it will declare August 16 a public holiday in honour of freedom fighter Avantibai Lodhi and ensure the rights and respect of the Lodhi community.

Addressing a gathering of the Lodhi community at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow on her birth anniversary, Yadav announced: "In the Samajwadi government, August 16 will be declared a holiday on the birth anniversary of Virangana Avantibai Lodhi. Celebrations and official programmes will be organised in her honour."

He further promised that a statue of the queen, depicted with a golden sword, would be installed at the Gomti Riverfront as a mark of respect. The...