Gorakhpur, Apr 5 (UNI) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that the new Uttar Pradesh, transformed since 2017, is now emerging as the growth engine of the country's economy.
Addressing a public meeting at Champa Devi Park in Gorakhpur after inaugurating and laying foundation stone of 107 development projects worth more than Rs 1640 crore, the CM said, "Powered by Prime Minister Modi's vision of combining heritage with development, UP is no longer in the grip of casteist, dynastic or mafia forces, but is driving forward with healthy competition toward a developed India."
He highlighted the contrast between the current double-engine government focused on continuous development and the previous regimes that prioritised family interests and looted state resources. He said that earlier, roads were riddled with potholes, electricity was scarce, and festivals came with fear, whereas today, festivals are celebrated peacefully and with enthusiasm across communities, reflecting the state's improved law and order and inclusive growth.
Yogi said that while 25 crore people are proud of UP, it is the rioters and their patrons who are troubled, because their illegal activities have ended in a state that now ensures safety, especially for women, and fosters business growth.
He said that those claiming UP's development figures are fake exposing their own corrupt mindset. "The numbers aren't fake, their thinking is. They must understand that this is a new UP, one that has transformed and won't be held back," he said.
The CM said that with a secure environment, UP has become the most attractive destination for investors, both from within the country and abroad. He emphasised that the new UP will no longer be controlled by casteist, mafiaist, or family-driven forces.
He said, "Guided by Prime Minister Modi's vision of heritage and development, UP is fast moving toward becoming a developed state. A healthy competition has emerged among districts, including Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Meerut, Bareilly, Moradabad, Saharanpur, and Ghaziabad."
Yogi said that from 1947 to 2017, under the rule of those driven by nepotism, casteism, and appeasement, UP's economy consistently declined, despite being the most populous state, rich in natural resources, fertile land, and talented youth.
He said, "In contrast, since 2017, UP has made remarkable progress, even during challenges like the Covid pandemic. From being the country's seventh largest economy in 2017, UP has now become the second largest and is currently the fastest-growing economy in India. The state, once a laggard in key central government schemes, now leads the race for the top spot," he said.
The CM said that the new UP of New India is progressing rapidly in a secure environment. "While those lacking capability dismiss UP's achievements as fake, those with intent have delivered results," he said.
He contrasted past regimes plagued by mafias and extortion with today's government focused on innovation, citing initiatives like One District One Product and One District One Medical College. "With modern infrastructure, UP is now the growth engine of India, where festivals are celebrated peacefully and youth are finding jobs," he said.
Highlighting women’s empowerment, Yogi said that while there were only 10,000 women in the police force from 1947–2017, over 12,000 have been recruited in recent drives. On farmers' welfare, he said the current government has paid Rs 2.8 lakh crore in sugarcane dues over eight years, nearly five times the amount (Rs 60000 crore) paid from 1996 to 2017.
Yogi said that Gorakhpur, now well-connected by road, rail, and air, is emerging as a hub of education, healthcare, and industry. He said that the GDA is developing New Gorakhpur City to meet the residential needs of five lakh people.
He said, "Once known for crime and mafia dominance, Gorakhpur is now defined by a harmonious blend of heritage and development. With four universities, AIIMS, BRD Super Specialty, and quality private hospitals, the city has become a center for education and health."
UNI AB BD