Daijiworld Media Network - Lucknow
Lucknow, Feb 13: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Samajwadi Party and the Congress, stating in the Assembly during the Budget Session that those who oppose Vande Mataram “have no right to live on Indian soil.” He accused the opposition parties of practising appeasement politics and obstructing both development and cultural resurgence in the state.
CM Yogi criticised previous SP-led governments for allegedly stalling the growth of Ayodhya and Mathura and for opposing religious events such as the Kanwar Yatra and Deepotsav. He asserted that Uttar Pradesh, a historic centre of faith, is now experiencing a renaissance where heritage and development go hand in hand, describing the shift from a “riot economy” to a “temple economy.”
Referring to the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, he said attendance had risen from around 12 crore in previous years to nearly 21 crore pilgrims this year, reflecting improved law and order and growing public faith. The chief minister also recalled the pre-2017 era, claiming that criminals and mafia elements ran parallel governments, leaving daughters and traders unsafe, in contrast to today’s “state of celebration.” He described the last nine years as a period of transformation from crime to discipline, curfews to rule of law, unrest to celebration, and distrust to confidence.
Highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s economic growth, he said the state is no longer a BIMARU state but has emerged as India’s third-largest economy and a driver of national growth. He detailed law enforcement reforms, noting that the state now has 12 functional forensic laboratories, a State Forensic Institute in Lucknow, cyber police stations in every district, and cyber desks at all police stations. Over 60,000 police personnel have been recruited, PAC units reorganised, and women’s PAC battalions formed, with more planned.
Citing NITI Aayog data, Yogi Adityanath claimed that over six crore people have been lifted out of multidimensional poverty in the past eight years. He assured that welfare schemes related to ration distribution, healthcare, and other benefits would continue without interruption. He emphasised that his government is guided not by a quest for power but by a commitment to good governance, clear policy direction, and strong political will.