Gorakpur, Mar 25 (UNI) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said that Uttar Pradesh, once regarded as a 'BIMARU' and struggling state hindering the nation's progress until 2017, has now emerged as a frontrunner in multiple sectors across India.

Speaking at the inauguration of the three-day 'Utkarsh Ke Aath Varsh’ Vikas Utsav', celebrating his government's eight-year tenure, the CM said, "Over the past eight years, the state has transformed remarkably, securing the top position or leading in more than 45 central government schemes."

He emphasised the state's progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance and inspiration. Speaking at Mahant Digvijaynath Park in Gorakhpur, he congratulated the people of UP and attributed the state’s transformation to their cooperation and support.

Emphasising that it is the 'New Uttar Pradesh' in a 'New India', Yogi said that while the state and its systems remained the same as before, the real change began in 2017 with the arrival of a double-engine government under PM Modi's leadership.

He said, "Previously, farmers faced distress, youth struggled for identity, the poor battled starvation, and women and businesses lacked security. However, today, thanks to progressive policies, farmers are self-reliant, women are empowered, youth are finding employment, and the poor are experiencing prosperity. Alongside development, UP's law and order system has set a benchmark for the country."

Reflecting on the challenges of this transformation, he said that the journey was far from easy. "Before 2017, the state was plagued by riots, mafia dominance, illegal land grabs, unregulated mining, animal smuggling, and threats to women and businesses," he said.

The CM said, "However, our government took decisive action to dismantle mafia rule and restore governance. Through large-scale initiatives focused on poverty alleviation, employment, and overall development, UP has now established itself as a leader in multiple domains."

He said that UP has completed eight years of remarkable progress, witnessing rapid development across all sectors. "Over these eight years, UP has made remarkable progress in youth empowerment, women's welfare, business security, and heritage conservation. Compared to the work done in the 70 years before 2017, this period has been truly transformative," he said.

He said, "With unwavering public support, the double-engine government, guided by PM Modi, has steered UP from being a 'BIMARU' state to becoming the nation’s growth engine. What was once seen as an obstacle to national progress has now become a driving force. This transformation, powered by the state's youth, workforce, and hardworking farmers, has elevated UP to the position of India's second-largest economy."

Yogi emphasised that while the previous government was dominated by 'one district, one mafia', his administration introduced transformative schemes such as One District, One Product (ODOP) and One District, One Medical College. "These initiatives have led to a massive turnaround. Before 2017, the state struggled to attract investments, but today, UP is the top destination for investors," he said.

He said, "Similarly, once neglected, the tourism sector has become one of the country's leading travel hubs. Infrastructure development has also been unprecedented. Earlier, good roads were scarce, but today, UP boasts the highest number of expressways, superior rail and air connectivity, and the most metro networks in India. The state leads food grain production, potato yield, sugarcane cultivation, and ethanol production."

The CM credited this transformation to teamwork, public participation, and an administration committed to delivering results. "With relentless hard work and the collaboration of all stakeholders, the government is pushing the boundaries of progress," he said.

He assured that there is no shortage of funds for development and the outstanding work being done has shaped a New UP within New India. "Gorakhpur itself has undergone a remarkable transformation. Before 2017, the fertilizer factory was shut down, today, it is operational again. The city now hosts key institutions such as an SSB office, a Sainik School, and a Kendriya Vidyalaya, with four offices functioning within the same campus," he said.

Yogi highlighted the extensive development work carried out in Gorakhpur. "An Atal Residential School has been established in Sahjanwa, and the state's first Ayush University has been set up in Bhathat," he said.

He emphasised the government's commitment to preserving art and honouring artists, announcing the development of a Film City in UP. He underscored the significance of art in keeping society vibrant and stated that while art needs protection, artists must be encouraged and supported.

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