BJP's 'double-engine' govt has demonstrated what real change means UP CM

Gorakhpur (UP), Dec 19 (PTI) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday accused previous governments of misusing public funds for personal gain and said the BJP's "double-engine" government redirected that money towards development across Uttar Pradesh.
    Addressing a function to inaugurate a Rs 138-crore rail overbridge in Gorakhpur, Adityanath said the city eight years ago was "plagued by disease, filth, lawlessness, mafia dominance and power shortages, leaving people yearning for basic development."
    He said Gorakhpur earlier faced an identity crisis, with residents often viewed with a sense of inferiority outside the state.
    "With the speed of a double-engine government, the BJP has demonstrated what real change means," he said, adding that public support helped give the state a new identity and confidence.
    The chief minister said under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India has emerged as a strong nation with a distinct global presence, and that large development projects, road, rail and air connectivity are being implemented with public convenience at the core.
    Adityanath highlighted welfare measures, including free ration, healthcare, LPG connections, electricity for all and other benefits for the poor, saying these were delivered without discrimination through collective efforts of the government.
    He said Uttar Pradesh no longer faces an identity crisis and is shining with renewed confidence.
    Referring to Gorakhpur's transformation, he cited the revival of the fertiliser plant, improved traffic conditions, four-laning of key roads and enhanced connectivity to Lucknow, Varanasi and other cities.
    He also said Ramgarh Tal has been developed as a major tourism hub, shedding its earlier image of crime and neglect. The chief minister also noted that eastern Uttar Pradesh now has medical colleges in several districts.
    Targeting previous governments, Adityanath alleged mismanagement and corruption, asserting that recovered resources were being invested in roads, medical and engineering colleges and quality institutions.
    "The intentions of previous governments were corrupt; they misappropriated public funds and filled their own families' coffers. Now, we have emptied their treasuries and invested that money in the development of the state, so the results are visible," he said.
    Adityanath, without naming the Samajwadi Party or its leadership, launched a sharp attack on previous governments over alleged patronage to mafia elements, saying people knew who had sheltered them and damaged the state's image.
    He claimed that photographs and videos of those now making allegations with mafia figures were in the public domain. The chief minister also alleged that earlier regimes encouraged a system of "one district, one mafia" and said development could not be expected from those confined to family interests.
    He asserted that Uttar Pradesh, once labelled a "BIMARU" state, had now become a revenue-surplus state due to political will and transparent governance.
    The chief minister also appealed to people to take precautions amid the prevailing cold wave, advising them to avoid unnecessary travel and wear warm clothing. He said the government had made arrangements for bonfires, blanket distribution and night shelters at public places to help the needy.
    Adityanath said Gorakhpur had been freed from mafia influence and diseases like encephalitis, and highlighted improved road infrastructure.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)