Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a sharp critique against the previous Samajwadi Party (SP) government on Friday, accusing its leadership of fostering mafia culture and damaging the state's reputation. He did not name any individuals directly. The CM made these remarks while addressing a large public gathering in Gorakhpur after inaugurating the newly constructed Gorakhnath overbridge, built at a cost of Rs 137.83 crore.
Bridge to Ease Traffic, Speech Targets Past Regime
The newly inaugurated overbridge is expected to bring significant relief to the chronic traffic congestion on the route leading to the iconic Gorakhnath Temple and improve overall connectivity in the city. However, the political message from the event was equally prominent. Yogi Adityanath stated that the public is well aware of who nurtured the mafia and pushed the state into a crisis in the past.
Referring to visuals circulating on television, the Chief Minister pointedly said that those who are now making allegations are the same people seen sharing stages and exchanging pleasantries with mafia elements. "These are the same people who put a blot on the state's identity by promoting 'one district, one mafia'," he asserted. He added that governments that operate solely for family interests can never deliver genuine development to the people.
Contrasting Governance: From 'Bimaru' to Revenue Surplus
Highlighting the work of the BJP government since it came to power in 2017, CM Yogi attributed past problems like corruption and misuse of development funds to a lack of honest intent in earlier regimes. "When intent is right, governance delivers results," he stated. He claimed that this shift in intent has transformed Uttar Pradesh from being labelled a 'Bimaru' state into one that is now revenue-surplus.
He elaborated that the state's treasury, which was once allegedly drained for personal gains, is now visibly being used for public welfare. The benefits, according to him, are evident in new infrastructure projects, medical and engineering colleges, various pension schemes, free ration distribution, LPG connections under the Ujjwala scheme, and improved healthcare facilities across Uttar Pradesh.
Praise for Modi and Gorakhpur's Transformation
The Chief Minister also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, stating that India now commands global respect and sets examples for the world in various sectors. Shifting focus back to Gorakhpur, Yogi Adityanath recalled the city's old reputation, which was marred by disease, frequent power cuts (darkness), poor infrastructure, and the rule of mafia elements. He positioned the new overbridge as a symbol of the city's ongoing transformation and development under the current state government.
The event underscored the continuing political rivalry in Uttar Pradesh, with the BJP leveraging infrastructure inaugurations to contrast its governance model with that of its main opponent, the Samajwadi Party.
