Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath delivered a stern message in the state Assembly on Wednesday, declaring a zero-tolerance policy against illegal occupation of historical sites and government land. He warned that influential status would not protect anyone from the state's bulldozers if they engaged in such encroachments.
"Bulldozers Will Roll": A Clear Warning to Mafia Elements
Addressing the House during a discussion on the supplementary budget, the Chief Minister issued a direct challenge to land mafias. "Whoever encroaches upon any monument or mythological site, I will not spare them," Adityanath stated firmly. He elaborated that if any mafia illegally seizes government land to run extortion rackets or immoral activities, bulldozers would be deployed without hesitation. "Bulldozers will roll and no one can stop it," he asserted, signaling continued aggressive action against unauthorized occupation.
Security as the Foundation for UP's Transformation
Adityanath credited the changed perception of Uttar Pradesh, both within India and abroad, directly to the improved law and order situation under his government. "A secure environment is essential for everyone. It is because of security that the outlook towards Uttar Pradesh has changed," he said. He painted a vivid picture of the new reality for criminals, stating that the era where police were chased by outlaws is over. The government now guarantees safety to citizens but sends a stark warning to lawbreakers: reform or face dire consequences.
He emphasized that security is the foremost requirement for individuals, society, and institutions to thrive. "Every daughter and every trader should feel secure -- this should be the first priority of any government," the CM remarked. He expressed confidence that the people of UP have endorsed this focus on security through consecutive electoral mandates, contrasting the state's reputation before and after 2017.
Contrast with Past Regime and Policy Actions
The Chief Minister launched a sharp critique of the previous Samajwadi Party (SP) government, accusing it of policy paralysis and corruption. He cited specific examples:
- The JPN International Centre, initially a ₹175 crore project, saw ₹860 crore spent but remained incomplete.
- The Gomti Riverfront project, budgeted at ₹167 crore, consumed ₹1,400 crore and was still unfinished.
In contrast, he highlighted his government's efficiency, noting the Purvanchal Expressway was redesigned to be 341-km long and 120-metre wide and completed at ₹11,800 crore, significantly less than the previous administration's estimated cost of ₹15,200 crore for a shorter route.
Adityanath also announced a key administrative move to combat corruption in education recruitment, appointing retired Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar as the head of the Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission (UPESSC).
On welfare, the CM stressed that benefits like gas connections, ration cards, and Ayushman Bharat cards are distributed as rights, not favours, without any discrimination. He challenged the opposition, asking if anyone had stopped food from reaching the poor under his watch.
In a pointed political remark, Adityanath criticized SP leaders for their silence on attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh while being vocal on other international issues. He also warned them against supporting Rohingya Muslims and illegal infiltrators, vowing to screen every case and alleging that the SP had facilitated voter IDs and Aadhaar cards for such individuals.
The Chief Minister concluded by asserting that Uttar Pradesh has shed its "BIMARU" tag and has become a revenue-surplus state and a prime investment destination, all underpinned by a secure environment and clear policies.
