LUCKNOW, July 23 -- Protests by the BJP and the Congress on Wednesday threw traffic out of gear across central Lucknow between 1.30 pm and 3 pm as police barricades and vehicle diversions on key roads triggered congestion. The worst snarls were reported at Lal Batti Crossing, Vikramaditya Crossing, the Raj Bhawan-Vikramaditya Marg stretch and roads leading to the Congress office. Police placed barricades and diverted traffic to prevent protesters from reaching the Congress office and other sensitive locations, resulting in long queues on adjoining roads. The disruptions coincided with school dispersal hours, leaving many parents stranded while trying to pick up their children from a private school near Lal Batti Crossing. An HT ground visit found cars, two-wheelers, school vans and public transport vehicles lined up at major intersections. Commuters expressed frustration over the prolonged delays, with many saying even short journeys took considerably longer than usual. htc...