Lucknow: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said India has undergone a “remarkable transformation” over the past 12 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that the country is steadily moving towards a Viksit Bharat through a convergence of faith and economic development.
Key Achievements Highlighted
Addressing a media interaction at Lok Bhavan to mark 12 years of the Modi government, Yogi highlighted key achievements and said development has focused on the poor, women, youth, and farmers. He also visited a special exhibition organised on the occasion.
“Over the past 12 years, India has demonstrated its strength, capability, and leadership on the global stage. Today, every citizen feels proud to be part of a new India,” the CM said.
Referring to a recent NDA programme to mark the milestone on June 10, Yogi said global leaders had acknowledged Modi’s leadership and India’s development journey. He added that schemes that once remained on paper were turned into mass movements under Modi.
Flagship Initiatives
Citing flagship initiatives, Yogi said Jan Dhan Yojana enabled crores to open bank accounts, while 12 crore toilets were built under Swachh Bharat Mission. He added that four crore houses were provided to the poor, and Ayushman Bharat extended health coverage to crores. Programmes such as Digital India, Start-up India, Stand-Up India, and Mudra Yojana gave a new direction to the economy, he said.
The CM said 25 crore people had been lifted above the poverty line and described Uttar Pradesh as a major beneficiary of central schemes. In the state, 65 lakh houses have been provided to the poor, three crore families got toilets, nearly two crore households received Ujjwala connections, and 15 crore people benefited under Ayushman Bharat, he said.
Women Empowerment
On women empowerment, Yogi cited schemes such as Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, Matri Vandana Yojana, and Mission Shakti. He said UP has provided 20% reservation for women in police recruitment and implemented welfare measures such as Kanya Sumangala and Samuhik Vivah schemes.
Youth-Focused Programmes
Highlighting youth-focused programmes, he said initiatives like Pariksha Pe Charcha, PM Vishwakarma Yojana, Mudra Yojana, Khelo India, and Fit India promoted skill development, entrepreneurship, and innovation. “For the first time, youth see themselves as job creators,” he said.
Agriculture and Farmers
On agriculture, the CM said schemes like PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, crop insurance, and irrigation projects have strengthened farmers. Over 3 crore farmers in UP are benefiting from PM-Kisan, while sugarcane farmers have been paid Rs 3.22 lakh crore, he said.
COVID Management and National Unity
Yogi also credited the Centre with effective COVID management, citing free testing, vaccination, ration, and treatment, and said campaigns like Har Ghar Tiranga fostered national unity.
Vision for 2047
He said the Prime Minister’s Panch Pran vision — eliminating colonial mindset, taking pride in heritage, strengthening unity, promoting civic duty, and building a developed India — provides a roadmap for 2047.
Emphasising cultural revival, Yogi said major religious sites such as Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Mahakal Lok, and Kedarpuri symbolise a resurgence of India’s cultural identity.
National Security
On national security, he said India’s response to terrorism has become decisive, citing surgical and air strikes. “India no longer compromises on its security,” he said, adding that even global challenges such as West Asia tensions were managed without causing an energy crisis in India.
Economic Targets for Uttar Pradesh
The CM reiterated the state’s economic targets, saying Uttar Pradesh aims to become a $1 trillion economy by 2030, $2 trillion by 2036, and $5 trillion by 2047, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Opposition Governments Neglected Development, Heritage
The CM targeted opposition parties and said that those whose politics remained rooted for years in corruption, misgovernance, dynastic politics, appeasement, disorder, and insecurity are unable to accept the development and transformation taking place in the country today. Earlier, there was a tendency to distance themselves from symbols of faith, cultural heritage, and national pride, while attempts were made to divide society on the basis of caste, region, language, and religion. During previous governments, farmers remained neglected, entrepreneurs were discouraged, youth lacked opportunities, and the poor were reduced to being mere vote banks.
He further added, under the leadership of PM Modi, when development, good governance, security, respect for heritage, and the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat became priorities, those very groups now appear uncomfortable with this transformation. Today, the entire world is appreciating India’s achievements and development journey, yet some opposition parties continue to avoid acknowledging these accomplishments for political reasons.
