From 'mafia empire' to industrial growth: CM Yogi highlights UP's transformation
Lucknow, May 22
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday alleged that there used to be a "mafia empire" before the BJP government took the reins of the State and every district was gripped by an "atmosphere of fear and terror".
"Before 2017, there used to be a mafia empire running parallel to the government here. Every district was gripped by an atmosphere of fear and terror. Daughters couldn't go to school, businessmen couldn't conduct their trade... There were no means of transportation, roads were in poor condition, connectivity in the state was in a terrible state, there was no electricity, and people were forced to live in darkness. Every district was handed over to the mafia, with the mafia running police stations and districts. The government had neither policy nor intention," CM Yogi said.
He also reiterated the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for development and said that the "pace" of development is directly linked to the benefits of the welfare schemes.
"We all know that the new India we are witnessing today since 2014 is due to Prime Minister Modi's leadership and his vision that prioritises development. Keeping in mind the vision of Prime Minister Modi, we have always prioritised the fact that the faster the pace, the quicker the benefits of development will reach the common people... Ten years ago, no one could have imagined that four-lane roads could be built..."
He further said that "Uttar Pradesh Tourism, Trade and Investment has emerged as a world-class destination".
"The transformation you are witnessing around the Jewar and Yamuna Expressway Development Authority is the new picture of the 'New Uttar Pradesh' of the 'New India'. Entrepreneurs were handed over land allotment letters today in Lucknow under the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority. Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to all entrepreneur brothers," he added.
He added that the UP government "wants to work together with all its investors to further the development of Uttar Pradesh..." "In the last 5 years, so much investment has happened in Gorakhpur that 50,000 youth have got employment..."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting perspective from an American visiting India for business. I was in Lucknow last month for a trade meeting, and the new expressways and industrial corridors are genuinely impressive. The CM's speech about Jewar and Yamuna Expressway matches what I saw – proper planning and execution. Of course, challenges remain, but the optimism among local entrepreneurs was palpable. Good to see a state government taking development seriously.
Bahut acchi baat hai! 🙏 But let's not forget that the 'mafia empire' CM Yogi mentions was allowed to flourish for decades by previous governments. Yes, things are better now, but we need to see these changes in all 75 districts, not just the big cities like Lucknow or Gorakhpur. My village near Varanasi still doesn't have proper four-lane connectivity. The intent is good, but implementation needs to be more consistent across the state.
As a UK-based consultant working on urban development projects in India, I've seen UP's transformation from the outside. The Jewar airport and industrial corridor projects are game-changers. I was in Noida last year, and the difference from 2017 is night and day. However, 50,000 jobs in 5 years for Gorakhpur alone seems modest for a state with UP's population. The real test will be sustaining this growth and ensuring it benefits smaller entrepreneurs, not just large corporates.
I still remember 2015 when my father's transport business was shut down by local goons in Kanpur. We couldn't even file an FIR properly. Today, that same area has a proper police chowki and we can do business without fear. CM Yogi's statement about daughters being able to go to school without fear hits home – my niece now walks to school without any issue. Yes, there are still problems, but the direction is right. Hats off to the CM! 👏
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