LUCKNOW, Nov. 5 -- Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday handed over flats, built on land freed from the illegal possession of Mukhtar Ansari in Lucknow's Dalibagh area, to 72 economically weaker section (EWS) families. The housing project, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Housing Scheme, is part of the state government's campaign to reclaim illegally occupied land and use it for public welfare.

During a ceremony held at Ekta Van in Jiamau, CM Yogi distributed allotment letters to the beneficiaries and interacted with them.

Calling the initiative a "symbol of justice for the poor and punishment for the mafia," the chief minister said the state government has sent out a strong message that no one can encroach on public or private land.

"T...