Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Rampur on Tuesday to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for various public welfare projects worth more than 690 crore. During his address to the public, the Chief Minister took a sharp dig at the Samajwadi Party (SP), contrasting the current state of Uttar Pradesh with the conditions that prevailed before 2017. He alleged that prior to his government taking office, development in the state was restricted to only two entities: the Saifai family and one specific family in Rampur, leaving the rest of the population deprived of progress and basic amenities.
The Crisis of Identity Before 2017
Recalling the atmosphere of the state before 2017, CM Yogi stated that Uttar Pradesh was grappling with a severe identity crisis. He pointed out that neither daughters nor traders were safe during that period, while farmers were forced to commit suicide due to a lack of support, and there were no employment opportunities for the youth. He specifically mentioned the corruption in government recruitment, stating that whenever a government advertisement was released, the duo of uncle and nephew (Chacha-Bhatija) would set out for extortion, forcing the courts to intervene and stay the processes. He added that the arbitrary policies of the then government led to the closure of traditional industries, and there were no schemes for the welfare of the poor or the development of infrastructure like roads and bridges.
Restrictions on Religious Festivals
The Chief Minister highlighted the change in the cultural and religious atmosphere of the state. He mentioned that under the Samajwadi Party rule, there were constant hurdles in organizing religious processions and festivals. He recalled how the previous government used to claim they wouldn't allow the Kanwar Yatra to take place and how riots would break out just before any major festival. He noted that before 2017, celebrations for Holi, Deepawali, Vijayadashami, Ram Navami, Janmashtami, and the month of Shravan were often restricted. Today, however, the Kanwar Yatra is taken out with great pomp, and Durga Puja is celebrated without any hindrance, while he emphasized that his government removed all such obstacles, restoring a festive atmosphere across Uttar Pradesh.
The Shift in Stance on Ram Bhakti
In a direct attack on the opposition's changing narrative, CM Yogi questioned those who are now advocating for Lord Ram. He said, "Who is advocating for the devotion of Ram today? " He attributed this shift to the power of the people's faith and their vote bank, suggesting that the opposition is now forced to follow the public's lead and perhaps feels remorse for their past actions. He also criticized the Congress party for previously denying the existence of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna, noting that even they now claim that Ram belongs to everyone and are eager to visit Ayodhya.
Development of Mythological Sites
CM Yogi remarked that the opposition is irritated by the transformation of holy cities. He stated that they're bothered by how beautiful Ayodhya has become, the grandeur of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham, the development of Maa Vindhyavasini's Dham, and the global attraction of Prayagraj through the Mahakumbh. He added that their irritation extends to Mathura-Vrindavan, Sukh Teerth, and every mythological site. He compared the opposition's current statements to the "sour grapes" syndrome, as the public has already rejected them.
The Metaphor of the Rampur Knife
Concluding his speech with a powerful metaphor, the Chief Minister spoke about the famous Rampur knife, while he said that if a knife falls into the wrong hands, it's used for robbery, as the Samajwadi Party did to grab people's land and exploit them. However, under the BJP's double-engine government, the same knife is being used for the security of the people. He stated that this environment of security has now become synonymous with development, which is the true progress of Rampur.