U.P. Congress president demands stopping move to auction part of Banda rifle club ground

Congress party on Saturday (December 3, 2026) demanded immediate intervention from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to stop the auctioning of the part of Rifle Club sports ground in Banda city, which has been advertised by the Banda Development Authority.

“Taking cognizance of the advertisement by the Banda Development Authority to auction the commercial plot of Rifle Club sports ground, I am writing to you demanding to stop the auction of Banda Rifle Club ground with immediate effect keeping in mind the healthy future of the children and public interest. The ground plays an important role in the physical development of numerous children and youngsters, it is a fact that due to increasing population and decreasing public spaces and playgrounds in cities, towns, the physical well-being of youngsters are getting adversely impacted. In Banda also, there is scarcity of such spaces. An advertisement published by the Banda Development Authority proposes the auction of commercial plot of 4,343.20 square meter of the rifle club, the last date to apply is 21.01.2026 at 11 AM. Keeping in mind the well-being and physical needs of the youngsters and children, I request you to kindly stop the auctioning,” reads the letter written by Ajay Rai, Uttar Pradesh Congress chief, addressed to U.P. CM Yogi Adityanath. 

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Rai said such a step is completely wrong and is leading to dissatisfaction among residents. “People of Banda contacted me to raise the issue at all platforms. At a time when public spaces are shrinking and people are getting very fewer place to do physical activity, such an action will be unacceptable for common people,” he added.

The advertisement is dated January 1, 2026, published by the Development Authority inviting bidding of one plot marked as commercial plot at rifle club in Banda city.