Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Friday, 13 February, during the discussion on the Governor’s Address and criticised the Samajwadi Party over its conduct in the House.
He said that India is today showing direction to the world. Referring to the behaviour of the opposition during the Governor’s Address, he stated that the entire House felt hurt due to the conduct of the Samajwadi Party. Citing a couplet of Mirza Ghalib, he remarked: “Dust was on the face, yet they kept cleaning the mirror.”
Adityanath said that Uttar Pradesh’s social and administrative image had been adversely affected due to the past conduct of the Samajwadi Party. He stated in the Assembly, “The entire House felt hurt by the behaviour of the opposition. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh was viewed with suspicion because of them. Now, Uttar Pradesh has become the leading engine of India’s development.”
Referring to the period before 2017, the Chief Minister said that policy indifference and an anti-development mindset had prevailed in the state.
He stated that earlier criminals and gang elements operated a parallel government in Uttar Pradesh and that curfews and riots were common occurrences. He said that youth faced an identity crisis and that criminals and mafia networks thrived under political protection. He added that the government now follows a policy of zero tolerance towards crime.
Adityanath further said that Uttar Pradesh now has an environment of faith and security. He stated that the presence of crores of devotees at the Kumbh and Magh Mela is proof of this.
The Chief Minister said that earlier daughters and traders were not safe in the state, but that comprehensive arrangements for their security and facilities have now been made. He referred to initiatives such as One District-One Mafia and said these have curbed crime and mafia networks. He stated that Uttar Pradesh is no longer a state of unrest but a state of celebration, and that 21 crore people attended the Prayagraj Magh Mela with faith and enthusiasm.
Adityanath also enumerated development and administrative reforms undertaken over the past nine years, stating that with discipline and policy regulation, Uttar Pradesh has established a new identity.
