Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], March 9 (HBTV): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has responded to the controversy involving Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and the Magh Mela administration, asserting that 'no individual can be above the law'.
Addressing the Uttar Pradesh Assembly during the budget session, the Chief Minister criticised the Samajwadi Party for supporting the seer and questioned their position by referring to a 2015 incident in Varanasi.
He asked why the then Samajwadi Party government had ordered a lathicharge and lodged an FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand if they truly respected him as a Shankaracharya.
Emphasising the importance of constitutional governance, Adityanath said that every citizen must respect India's legal framework.
'Not every person can write as a Shankaracharya, nor can they go around as the Acharya of every Peeth and spoil the atmosphere wherever they go,' the Chief Minister said.
He added that individuals are governed by the Constitution rather than personal authority.
'No individual can be above the law. We are people connected to the constitutional system of India, and I believe that every citizen of India should respect the law,' he said.
Referring to crowd management during the religious gathering, Adityanath said, 'Wherever 4.5 crore devotees have gathered, the exit gate from which devotees are leaving after bathing cannot be used for entry. If someone tries to enter through that route, it can lead to a new stampede and endanger the lives of devotees.'
He added that a responsible and dignified person would not behave in such a manner.
Targeting the socialist movement, the Chief Minister said it had deviated from its founding ideals.
'The socialism that once called for sacrifice, struggle and moral ideals has today become a ladder for dynasty politics, opportunism and building private empires,' he said.
In a sharp remark, Adityanath added that 'even a chameleon would repent today, thinking that these socialists have surpassed even me', accusing opposition leaders of frequently shifting positions for political gain.
He also described the condition of the Samajwadi Party as that of a 'koopmandook' (frog in the well), suggesting a narrow outlook.
Defending his government's performance, Adityanath highlighted the state's progress in industrialisation and social welfare.
He said Uttar Pradesh's first electric vehicle manufacturing unit has already begun operations, marking a step toward green mobility and industrial growth.
The Chief Minister also said the Jewar airport project has been completed, adding that it will become the fifth international airport in Uttar Pradesh and will span around 12,000 acres.
He further highlighted improvements in educational infrastructure, noting that children from underprivileged backgrounds are studying in world-class facilities at Atal Residential Schools.
Promoting self-reliance among youth, Adityanath referred to the CM Yuva Udyami Yojana, under which around 1.1 lakh young entrepreneurs have received interest-free and guarantee-free loans along with 10 per cent margin money support.
On social welfare, the Chief Minister said that 1.06 crore destitute women, senior citizens and persons with disabilities in the state are receiving an annual pension of INR 12,000, adding that the amount will soon be increased as budgetary provisions have already been made.
Asserting a transformation in the state's image, Adityanath said Uttar Pradesh is no longer a 'BIMARU' state, a term previously used to describe economically lagging regions.
Instead, he said the state now represents 'Triple-T: Technology, Trust and Transformation'.
'UP is now carving out a new identity for itself as a role model for Trust, Transformation and Timely Delivery,' he said.
He further stated that government welfare schemes, based on NITI Aayog data, have lifted 6 crore people out of extreme poverty over the past eight years.
'This does not mean they should be deprived of other schemes. They will continue to receive the benefits of ration, health services and other administrative facilities,' the Chief Minister added.