Lucknow, Apr 29 (UNI) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said that Uttar Pradesh has taken bold and decisive strides towards development over the past eight years, in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary leadership.
Speaking at an event organised here, the CM assured that this journey of transformation will continue uninterrupted, untiring and unwavering. "UP today boasts the country's largest expressway network and operates the highest number of metro systems. It has the most extensive railway infrastructure, is home to India's first rapid rail service and hosts the nation’s first inland waterway. Besides, UP is leading in over 45 flagship schemes of the central government, showcasing the emergence of a 'New UP' in sync with the aspirations of a 'New India'," he said.
He said that while UP was ranked seventh in terms of economic strength in 2017, it has now emerged as the second-largest economy in the country. "UP is firmly on the path to becoming a 1 trillion dollars economy by 2029, making it India's leading economic powerhouse," he said.
Yogi said that UP, India's most populous state, is also the heart and soul of the nation. "Yet, in the past, those in power lacked a development-oriented vision and failed to recognise the potential of this land. Instead, they imposed their narrow agendas, pushing the state into an identity crisis," he said.
He said, "Before 2014, despite its vast potential, UP was plagued by neglect, youths were disillusioned, farmers were driven to despair, labourers suffered hunger and the safety of women and businessmen was compromised. Festivals were celebrated in fear rather than joy. Once seen as a land of opportunity, UP had begun to be regarded as a 'BIMARU' state," he said.
The CM said that those in power before 2017 actively hindered progress. "They sabotaged central schemes and prevented meaningful change. In contrast, today's UP is determined, forward-looking, and committed to realising its full potential under a government that puts development first," they said.
He said that UP's transformational journey began in earnest in 2017 when the people of the state, responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call, gave a historic mandate to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "Since then, the state has made significant strides in development and progress," he said.
Yogi said, "Our government has constructed homes for 56 lakh poor families across UP, cutting across caste and community lines, be it Dalits, backward classes, minorities or others. We do not divide citizens into caste groups, for us, every citizen is a part of our larger family and their prosperity is our mission. Working in the spirit of PM Modi's mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, the government has built trust among people, leading to visible transformations across all sectors."
He said, "From initiating a loan waiver for farmers and ensuring that every needy person receives a ration card to extending central and state schemes equitably to every section of society, the government has prioritised inclusive development. Law and order have been significantly strengthened and issues tied to UP's identity and heritage have been actively addressed."
The CM said that the MSME sector, once nearly defunct due to previous governments' apathy, has witnessed a revival under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative launched in 2018. "ODOP has become a national symbol of Swadeshi pride and self-reliance. Earlier, Chinese goods dominated the market during Diwali and other festivals. Today, people proudly gift ODOP items, supporting local artisans and generating domestic employment," he said.
He said, "During Covid crisis, UP was the first state to reopen its MSME units, creating work opportunities for over 40 lakh artisans and workers. Today, people across all segments find employment suited to their needs, ensuring widespread economic participation."
He said that his government adopted a policy of zero tolerance toward crime, criminals, corruption and the corrupt from day one. "The results are evident, citizens feel secure and festivals are celebrated peacefully, unlike the fear-ridden atmosphere before 2017," he said.
Yogi said that UP has become riot-free, with a strong security ecosystem that has attracted tourists and pilgrims across India and the world. "Where only a few lakh tourists visited UP annually before 2017, we are now witnessing a tourism boom. During the recent Maha Kumbh, over 66 crore devotees arrived. This year, the number of tourists in the state is projected to cross 100 crore," he said.
He emphasised that spiritual tourism is a reflection of faith and a powerful engine for economic growth and employment generation. "The synergy between devotion and development was visible during the Maha Kumbh. Unfortunately, before 2017, no one cared to explore these possibilities. The political leadership of the time lacked the vision, this was simply not on their agenda," he said.
The CM said that before 2017, UP was plagued by lawlessness where women and business owners lived in fear and riots had become routine. "Every second or third day, a new riot would erupt. Then, the government surrendered completely to the mafia. Be it the mining mafia, land mafia, forest mafia, animal mafia or organised criminal networks, they dictated how the state was run. The administration was powerless and the common citizen bore the brunt," he said.
In stark contrast, he said that the past eight years under the 'double engine government' have brought about a historic transformation. "Today, UP is free of mafias, free of riots and free of criminal intimidation. It has emerged not just as a top destination for tourism, especially spiritual tourism, but also as one of India’s most investment-friendly states," he said.
Yogi highlighted the journey of UP's economic resurgence. "The first Investors Summit in 2017 seemed like a distant dream, but we made it a reality. We received investment proposals worth Rs 4.67 lakh crore at that time. Fast forward to 2023 and the proposals have touched Rs 40 lakh crore. This transformation didn't happen by chance, it happened through consistent effort and reform," he said.
He asserted that today, UP offers an environment where no farmer is pushed to suicide, no one dies of hunger, no youth is forced to migrate in search of work and no daughter or entrepreneur has to beg for safety. "Investors today cannot be coerced or intimidated. Our transparent, single-window system powered by technology ensures ease of doing business and allows everyone to contribute to the state's and nation's progress," he said.
The CM said that the same potential existed in 2017 as well, but narrow, caste-based, and family-centric agendas drove earlier governments. "Their vision never extended beyond their own families," he said.
He said, "Today, the change is visible if you visit any city or village in UP. The garbage heaps of the past have vanished and a spirit of cleanliness now drives every community. This transformation has not only improved sanitation but also restored women's dignity, ensured every poor household has access to toilets and controlled diseases like encephalitis and malaria."
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