Lucknow Shocked as Viral Clips Show Flower Pots Stolen and Cut Outside National Inspiration Site
A bizarre incident occurred in the capital of Uttar Pradesh following the opening of the Rashtra Prerana Sthal. Locals stole decorative items, including VIP cutouts and flower pots, in a shocking display of civic neglect that stunned the government. The Lucknow Flower Pot Theft ignited social media firestorms, as videos showing the theft went viral on various platforms.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the Rashtra Prerana Sthal in Lucknow. The local administration, horticulture and other departments meticulously decorated the area to mark the importance of the event and welcome dignitaries. The installation included life-size cutouts for Prime Minister Modi, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and an expensive ornamental plant. The grandeur was overshadowed, however, by the chaos that ensued after the formal proceedings.
Reports and viral videos indicate that looting started immediately after VIPs cleared out the area. The Lucknow Flower Pot Theft began with the removal of large cutouts. Residents were seen dismantling displays and carrying life-sized images of political leaders on their shoulders. In just a few short hours, these images of celebration were stripped from the roadside.
अदब और तहज़ीब के शहर लखनऊ में बीते दिन पीएम मोदी ने राष्ट्रीय प्रेरणा स्थल का उद्घाटन किया. इस कार्यक्रम के लिए पूरे शहर को सजाया गया था लेकिन जैसे ही कार्यक्रम खत्म हुआ लोगों में सड़कों के किनारे लगाये गए गमलों को उठाने की होड़ दिखाई दी. जिसका वीडियो तेजी से वायरल हो रहा है.… pic.twitter.com/pJHap0Twhf
— NDTV India (@ndtvindia) December 26, 2025
As evening approached, the situation worsened. The videos that have been most shared of the Lucknow Flower Pot Theft depict individuals stealing the decorative, heavy flower pots placed at the entrance to the venue. In the video, people are seen loading pots on their motorcycles or scooters in a precarious balance as they drive away at night. The plants purchased were expensive types that were specifically procured to make the area a tourist center and a place of inspiration.
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The incident has been widely criticized, especially given Lucknow’s reputation in the past as a place of “Adab” and “Tehzeeb” (etiquette & culture). Users of social media have voiced their dismay, saying that the government’s hard work was undone because of greedy individuals. Citizens looting government property raised questions about civic responsibility and morality. Users commented on how, while the government constructs infrastructure such as the Rashtra Prerana Sthal to benefit the public, this behavior hinders the development of the country.
The local administration is aware of the Lucknow Flower Pot Theft as well as the removal of property belonging to the government without authorization. The police and administration officials are reviewing CCTV footage to try to identify those responsible for the theft. The authorities have said that theft of public goods is a grave offense and are currently investigating to hold those responsible accountable. It is intended to send out a clear message that theft and vandalism of public amenities won’t be tolerated.
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The Rashtra-Prerana Hall is an inauguration landmark located in Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) that was developed as a tourism center and a place of national inspiration. The site, dedicated to the public and inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India, aims to promote India’s history and inspire citizens to serve their country. This project includes significant landscaping and architecture efforts to create a peaceful and educational environment.
