Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 24 (HBTV): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday criticised the Samajwadi Party, accusing it of promoting “family and caste-based politics” that weakened the state’s development.
Addressing the Times of India’s Developed Uttar Pradesh Vision @2047 programme, the Chief Minister said, ‘Everyone knows how Uttar Pradesh's development was halted because of family (dynastic) and caste-based (casteist) politics, how rioting destroyed businesses, and how corruption crippled bureaucracy, making the state “bimar” (weak).’
Targeting the Samajwadi Party, he said opportunities were wasted, while the BJP-led government has now created a revenue surplus. ‘Uttar Pradesh's growth story was only like a dream for those who doubted their capabilities and missed opportunities for Parivarvaad. Under PM Modi’s leadership, we removed UP from the list of BIMARU states. The CAG’s report shows a revenue surplus of INR 37,000 crore; currently, it stands at INR 70,000 crore,’ he said.
CM Yogi condemned caste and family-based exploitation. ‘No human being is incompetent. When corrupt people gain power, they exploit it. Those inciting in the name of caste or family are like parasites misguiding society. That is why we built the bulldozer,’ he stated.
He emphasised the government’s responsibility to meet public expectations, highlighting ongoing work over the past eight-and-a-half years. ‘The 25 crore people of Uttar Pradesh have aspirations, and we have been working to fulfil them,’ he said.
Reflecting on India’s historical economic contribution, Yogi said, ‘India once had a major share of global trade, which declined over centuries due to foreign rule. Agriculture and industries were looted, weakening the economy.’
Commenting on law and order, he referred to recent violence in Bareilly, warning that attempts to disturb peace would not be tolerated. He recounted the incident where more than ten policemen were injured during a protest linked to the “I Love Muhammad” campaign at Ala Hazrat Dargah. Inspector General Ajay Sahni noted the violence was premeditated and spread across multiple locations.
Following the incident, UP Minister Anil Rajbhar condemned the protest as an attempt to disrupt peace, saying, ‘Those attempting to disturb UP’s peace will face strict action that future generations will remember.’ Minister Asim Arun stressed that religious or cultural events should have prior permission to prevent divisive displays.
(ANI)