Asaduddin Owaisi denied permission to hold meeting in Lucknow

AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi's programme in state capital Lucknow today was cancelled after he was denied permission by the district administrations to hold a meeting on grounds of "law and order situation" in the state. Owaisi is currently facing criticism for refusing to chant 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai', claiming that it is a matter of personal choice and no one can be forced to do so. Mr. Owaisi, who was to visit Lucknow today, was denied permission to hold meeting by Additional District Magistrate JS Dubey. The intelligence agencies also alerted the district administration about possible disturbance due to his meeting. During his proposed two-day visit to the Uttar Pradesh, Owaisi was to visit Azamgarh in connection with a programme also but that too has been cancelled.