In a significant address during the inauguration of the Siddharthnagar Mahotsav, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday articulated a powerful vision for development that transcends divisions of caste, religion, region, or language. Launching an impressive 229 projects with a cumulative worth of Rs 1,052 crore, the CM firmly stated that societal progress is fundamentally incompatible with fragmentation and discrimination.
Inclusive Governance as the Cornerstone of Ram Rajya
Chief Minister Adityanath elaborated that a discrimination-free approach to governance and development is the true embodiment of Ram Rajya. He asserted, "Development is not possible by dividing society. There should be no discrimination based on caste, religion, region, or language. Progress must be driven by inclusiveness and sustainability. This is real Ram Rajya." This statement positioned inclusive growth as the central philosophical tenet of his administration's efforts.
Contrasting Past Neglect with Present Transformation
The Chief Minister drew a sharp contrast between the current development push and the alleged neglect by previous governments. He accused past administrations of working primarily for vested interests, which resulted in a critical lack of investment in Siddharthnagar and its adjoining districts. "People were suffering due to mosquito menace and mafia," Yogi Adityanath recalled, highlighting the dire conditions that once prevailed.
He detailed the transformative impact of what he termed the "double-engine government," citing the establishment of colleges, enhanced health facilities, and the construction of four-lane roads. These infrastructural advancements, according to the CM, have been instrumental in generating local employment, curbing outward migration, and notably bringing an end to the scourge of encephalitis in the region.
A Unified Approach to Public Health and Welfare
Emphasizing a non-discriminatory approach to governance, the Chief Minister reflected on the encephalitis crisis. "Entire eastern Uttar Pradesh was neglected for several years and was identified with disease, crime, and encephalitis," he stated. He poignantly added that the children who succumbed to the disease "were not from the minority community, SC/ST, or backward communities, but were children of the state, and that was the spirit with which our government worked to eliminate the disease." This underscored a commitment to viewing all citizens as equal stakeholders in the state's welfare.
Grassroots-Led Development and Infrastructure Boom
Outlining the operational model for development in Siddharthnagar, Yogi Adityanath explained that projects are initiated based on proposals submitted by local representatives, with the state government acting as a facilitator by providing the necessary funds. This model highlights the BJP government's focus on decentralized and responsive governance.
The CM showcased the district's remarkable metamorphosis. "Once classified as an aspirational district due to lack of infrastructure, disease, and migration, Siddharthnagar has now entered a new phase of development," he proclaimed. Key achievements include:
- An operational medical college within the district.
- The establishment of a nursing college.
- The commencement of work on a 1,000-seat auditorium.
- The laying of the foundation stone for a women's hostel.
Reviving Spiritual Heritage and Enhancing Connectivity
The Chief Minister also addressed the preservation of cultural and spiritual heritage, an area he claimed was ignored by previous regimes. He cited the successful recovery of Lord Buddha's relics from Piprahwa, which were taken over a century ago and recently located at a foreign auction through the concerted efforts of the local MP and the state government.
Quoting the Mahotsav's theme song, 'Buddham Sharanam Gacchami', he noted that seeking refuge in dharma requires wisdom and discernment. "When power falls into destructive hands, it leads to devastation, but when guided by righteous intent, it becomes a force for positive transformation in people's lives," Yogi Adityanath philosophized.
On the infrastructure front, he highlighted substantial improvements in regional connectivity. The strengthening of interstate and international road networks is a key priority. "Siddharthnagar is getting four-lane connectivity, while the Gorakhpur-Shamli Economic Corridor passing through Itwa, Dumariyaganj, and Bansi is poised to emerge as a new engine of growth for the district," he detailed, painting a picture of an emerging economic hub.
Agricultural Prosperity Across Uttar Pradesh
Extending his narrative of progress beyond Siddharthnagar, the Chief Minister shared positive observations from a visit to central Uttar Pradesh in May. He noted that farmers there were successfully cultivating a third crop of maize following two earlier harvests, indicating improved agricultural productivity and resilience, which contributes to the state's broader economic upliftment.
Through this comprehensive address, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath positioned inclusive, sustainable, and infrastructure-driven development as the definitive path forward for Uttar Pradesh, firmly rejecting identity-based divisions as a foundation for progress.
