AGRA (UP), Mar 26: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said that Agra’s identity is rooted in Braj Bhoomi, Vrindavan Bihari Lal and Radha Rani, not the Mughals and if the city is to be linked with any historical figure, it should be Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The CM attended the Janpadiya Vikas Utsav in Agra, celebrating eight years of his government in UP. Showcasing the state’s progress under the pillars of service, security, and good governance, he highlighted key developmental achievements.
He interacted with beneficiaries of various government schemes, explored an exhibition on public welfare initiatives and inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 128 projects worth Rs 635 crore. A documentary titled ‘Ek Jhalak’, highlighting the achievements of the Yogi government over the past eight years, was also screened at the event.
Yogi said, “Agra’s identity is rooted in Braj Bhoomi, Vrindavan Bihari Lal and Radha Rani, not the Mughals. If Agra is to be linked with any historical figure, it should be Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.”
He criticised the previous government for naming a museum in Agra after the Mughals. “What connection do the Mughals have with Agra ” he questioned.
He highlighted that his government renamed the museum after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and is now advancing plans for a grand memorial in his honour.
Emphasising the balanced approach of the double-engine government, the CM said that heritage and development are being given equal priority.
He said that Agra’s renowned Petha and leather industries have been revitalised under his leadership while efforts are underway to bring Bateshwar onto the global stage.
Lashing out at the Samajwadi Party (SP) government before 2017, he reminded people of the anarchy that once plagued UP.
Yogi said that those above the age of 25 would recall the lawlessness of that era, where crime, mafia rule and hooliganism were rampant.
He said, “The youth faced an identity crisis, farmers were driven to suicide, the poor suffered from hunger and both traders and women lived in fear. Concerns over potential riots and curfews overshadowed festivals.”
Yogi recalled how, before 2017, pothole-ridden roads, darkness after sunset and frequent reports of communal violence had become the unfortunate identity of UP.
Taking a jibe at the opposition, he said that those responsible for this crisis are the same people who now spread baseless propaganda.
Yogi accused the opposition of obstructing development and misleading the public.
Referring to the Covid crisis, he said that while the government was battling the pandemic under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the opposition was busy fighting against the government.
He said, “They told people not to get tested, not to seek treatment, not to take the vaccine. In contrast, the double-engine government safeguarded the people by providing free tests, treatment, vaccines and rations.”
The CM slammed the opposition for opposing the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Yogi pointed out that when Ram Lalla was consecrated in Ayodhya after 500 years, Congress and SP attempted to mislead the public while the entire world rejoiced.
Similarly, he highlighted the grandeur of the recently concluded Prayagraj Maha Kumbh, where over 66 crore devotees participated, yet the opposition continued its propaganda.
He accused them of failing to initiate real development while in power and now attempting to hinder progress when real transformation occurs.
Yogi highlighted the state’s remarkable transformation by unveiling a new vision of UP’s development.
He recalled that eight years ago, UP was considered a ‘BIMARU state’, but today, it has emerged as the second-largest economy in the country. He asserted that shortly, UP would claim the top spot.
Yogi credited the double-engine government for implementing several initiatives benefiting farmers, youth and the underprivileged.
He said that while farmers once struggled to the point of suicide, his government waived loans for small and marginal farmers.
The chief minister said, “Today, over 2.62 crore farmers have received Rs 80,000 crore under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi and Rs 2,80,000 crore has been transferred directly to sugarcane farmers. As a result, UP’s farmers are now self-reliant and actively contributing to the state’s progress.”
Regarding employment, the CM emphasised that his government has provided over 8.30 lakh youth with government jobs, with 12,000 women recruited in the recent 60,000-strong police force expansion.
“The MSME sector has also generated numerous employment opportunities,” he said.
Taking a dig at the opposition, Yogi said, “Earlier, SP and Congress created ‘One District, One Mafia’. We established ‘One District, One Medical College’ and ‘One District, One Product’.”
Highlighting the state’s infrastructure boom, Yogi said that UP now leads in expressways, metro networks, railway connectivity, highways and airports.
“Besides, UP ranks first in producing food grains, potatoes, sugarcane and ethanol,” he said.
During the event, CM Yogi honored beneficiaries of various government schemes. He distributed tablets to students under the Swami Vivekananda Scheme and gave appointment letters to newly recruited Anganwadi workers.
The CM distributed nutrition kits to pregnant women, lactating mothers and children to support maternal and child health.
In a heartwarming gesture, he embraced young children dressed as Kanha, fed them kheer and gifted them toys and fruits.
Yogi urged the people of Agra to actively contribute to making UP a 1 trillion dollar economy by supporting the double-engine government, ensuring sustained growth and prosperity for the state.
(UNI)
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