The Lakhimpur Kheri incident has triggered a major political storm with opposition parties accusing the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh of shielding the culprits.

Opposition leaders are trying to visit Lakhimpur Kheri but have been either denied permission or detained on the way since section 144 has been imposed.

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced that it will distribute tablets and smartphones among students and skilled workers in the state.

Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri witnessed largescale violence on October 3 in which eight people were killed. Four of the eight dead were farmers, allegedly knocked down by vehicles driven by BJP workers travelling to welcome UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya to an event in the area.

Sumit Jaiswal, a member of the Shivpuri ward in the Nagar Palika Parishad Lakhimpur and who was seen running out of a car in a viral video, spoke to India TV about the Sunday violence in which 8 people died including 4 farmers.

The Lucknow police imposed restrictions under Section 144 of CrPC till November 8 to maintain law & order and ensure adherence to COVID rules in view of upcoming festivals, various entrance exams and farmers' protests.

MoS Home Ajay Mishra has refuted allegations that his son Ashish Mishra was involved in the incident at Lakhimpur Kheri and said that three BJP workers and a driver were beaten to death by "some elements" present among the protesting farmers there.

Meanwhile, 16 new cases and 17 recoveries were reported in the past 24 hours. The state's recovery rate has reached 98.7 per cent while the death rate hovers around 1.3.

Four of the dead were farmers, allegedly knocked down by vehicles driven by BJP workers travelling to welcome Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya. The others were BJP workers and their driver, allegedly pulled out of the vehicles and then lynched by the protesters.

Speaking to India TV in an exclusive conversation, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra raised some key issues regarding the Yogi government's conduct in Lakhimpur Kheri and UP police's action against her while she was on her way to visit the violence-hit district.

The government will also give Rs 10 lakh to those injured in the violence, said Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Awanish Awasthi.  

In a video released by Congress, Priyanka Gandhi was seen sweeping the floor of a room where she was apparently kept by the police.

Varun Gandhi said a murder case under IPC section 302 should be lodged against those involved in the death of farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri.

As per records, overall 91,002 cases were registered for violation of Covid protocol across all the eight police zones and four police commissionerate .

Speaking to India TV, Union Minister Ajay Mishra said that stones were pelted on the convoy, BJP workers were attacked, and a driver was lynched in the violence. He also alleged that there were some anti-national elements among farmers who somehow wants to create unrest in the country.

Keeping in mind the caste dynamics of the politically crucial state as it is the largest in terms of Lok Sabha seats, the BJP's central leadership has already announced a team of poll-incharges comprising leaders from all castes led by experienced poll manager Dharmendra Pradhan, who himself hails from the OBC category.

Since assembly elections are due in Uttar Pradesh next year, it is believed that PM Modi may visit the state at least once every month. The Prime Minister had last visited Varanasi in July and Aligarh in September.

"Janata Darbar would be conducted as usual on the next day," read the release. Janata Darbar is held to address grievances of the people.

The Yogi government has launched One District One Product (ODOP) scheme with an aim to encourage such indigenous and specialized products and crafts of UP that are not found anywhere else.

Earlier, Kangana Ranaut had announced a film on Ayodhya under her banner, later confirming that she will also direct the film. Written by KV Vijayendra Prasad of Baahubali fame, Aparajitha Ayodhya is about the Ram Mandir dispute and court case.