The Impressive TimesGorakhpur, July 23:
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday launched a sharp political attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress, accusing both parties of undermining public faith during their tenure while now attempting to portray themselves as protectors of religious values. Addressing a public gathering in Gorakhpur, the Chief Minister questioned the credibility of opposition leaders on issues related to faith, governance and public welfare.
Speaking after inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for development projects worth ₹995 crore, Yogi Adityanath said those who had opposed religious movements in the past were now trying to project themselves as champions of faith. Referring to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, he alleged that previous governments had acted against devotees and questioned how the same political parties could now claim to represent religious sentiments.
The Chief Minister dedicated four completed
projects worth ₹813.52 crore to the public, including Gorakhpur’s first 2.6-kilometre-long six-lane flyover connecting TP Nagar and Padleganj. He also laid the foundation stone for ten new projects valued at ₹181.77 crore, stating that improved infrastructure would accelerate economic growth and urban development in the region.
Highlighting changes in Uttar Pradesh since 2017, Yogi Adityanath claimed the state had witnessed a transformation in law and order. He alleged that communal disturbances were common during major festivals under previous governments, while religious processions faced restrictions. According to him, the current administration has ensured peace, security and equal implementation of government welfare schemes.
The Chief Minister also criticised earlier governments over their handling of encephalitis in eastern Uttar Pradesh, alleging that thousands of children lost their lives because the issue was neglected for years. He said the state government had significantly improved healthcare infrastructure by expanding medical facilities, establishing new medical colleges across districts and strengthening institutions such as AIIMS Gorakhpur and BRD Medical College.
On employment, Yogi Adityanath said his government had introduced a transparent recruitment process and eliminated discrimination in government hiring. He claimed that more than nine lakh government jobs had been provided over the past nine years while private sector investments had generated employment opportunities for around 65 lakh people across the state. He also credited the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative with reviving traditional industries and supporting self-employment for crores of artisans and entrepreneurs.
Referring to Gorakhpur’s industrial growth, the Chief Minister said the city, once associated with crime and poor investment prospects, had witnessed remarkable progress after improvements in security. He stated that industries established in the Gorakhpur Industrial Development Authority (GIDA) area had created employment for nearly 50,000 young people and boosted investor confidence.
Yogi Adityanath also accused previous administrations of shutting down sugar mills and disposing of public assets at undervalued prices. He claimed his government had focused on strengthening agriculture, reviving industries and ensuring the timely availability of fertilisers to farmers through the reopening of the Gorakhpur fertiliser plant.
Speaking about tourism and urban development, the Chief Minister said Ramgarh Tal had been transformed into one of eastern Uttar Pradesh’s leading tourist attractions. He added that improved public spaces, better law enforcement and infrastructure development had made the area a preferred destination for visitors and commercial activities.
Emphasising connectivity, Yogi Adityanath said improved highways, rail services and air links had significantly reduced travel time between Gorakhpur and major cities such as Lucknow and Varanasi. He noted that the city now enjoys expanded flight connectivity while modern railway stations, Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat train services have further strengthened transportation.
During his address, the Chief Minister also appealed to residents to maintain cleanliness during the monsoon season, avoid dumping waste in drains and actively participate in rainwater harvesting. He encouraged people to plant at least one sapling under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign and protect water bodies and biodiversity across the region.
Several public representatives and senior BJP leaders, including Members of Parliament, MLAs, party office-bearers and local dignitaries, attended the programme.
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