Uttar Pradesh CM reviews security ahead of PM Narendra Modi's Kushinagar visit

LUCKNOW/GORAKHPUR: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kushinagar to mark Buddha Purnima, the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday carried out an inspection to review security arrangements at the places which would be visited by the PM.
The CM reached Kushinagar around 11.30 am on Saturday from where he went to the Mahaparinirvana temple where Lord Buddha is said to have attained Nirvana.After inspecting the temple and arrangements for the PM's visit, he offered prayers at the reclining statue of Lord Buddha.
Later, the CM chaired a meeting of officials at the Kushinagar airport's lounge and discussed arrangements to accord a warm welcome to the PM. Sources said that former Union minister RPN Singh, MPs of Kushinagar and Deoria, BJP district president and Kushinagar MLA PN Pathak, along with the chief secretary and the DGP, would welcome the PM at the airport. The CM also inspected the helipad which would be used by the PM's chopper.
The PM will be flying to Kushinagar on May 16 around 9.30 am on the occasion of Buddha Purnima. He is scheduled to offer prayers to Lord Buddha in Kushinagar on his birth anniversary. Modi will also visit Lumbini in Nepal, which is Lord Buddha's birth place. He will visit the Mahaparinirvana temple on his return from Nepal.
"The PM will offer a 'chadar' and prayers to the reclining statue of Lord Buddha at the Mahaparinirvana temple. A delegation of Buddhist monks, including the president of the Bhikshu Sangh AB Dnyaneshwar, will be present at the temple. The PM will also spend some time in meditation at the Mahaparinirvana temple after which he will donate 'chadar' and 'Sangdaan' to Buddhist monks," said a government spokesperson.
He added that this is the second time in seven months when the PM will be visiting the Mahaparinirvana temple.
He had earlier visited the temple on October 20 when he was in Kushinagar to inaugurate the Kushinagar International Airport, the official added.