Development ushers in when people elect capable, honest representatives, says Yogi

Lucknow: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said that development flourishes when people elect capable and honest representatives, asserting that those who choose mafia-backed leaders ultimately suffer exploitation and neglect.

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for development projects worth more than Rs 300 crore in Balrampur, Yogi said his govt has dismantled organised crime networks and was utilising land once occupied by mafias for the welfare of the poor.

“If you elect the mafia, they will exploit the poor. We have crushed the mafia, and on the land they once occupied, we are building houses for the poor,” Yogi said.

During the programme, beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana (Grameen) and several other welfare schemes were felicitated. The CM also felicitated meritorious students of Kasturba Gandhi Residential Girls’ School and interacted with residents on the district’s development initiatives.

Yogi said that before 2017, communal riots frequently occurred in areas such as Pachpedwa, Gainsari, Balrampur and Utraula during festive occasions. He claimed that UP was now riot-free and that the state’s image has undergone a major transformation.

The chief minister also alleged that poor families were deprived of their ration supplies before 2017 due to the influence of criminal elements. He said every eligible beneficiary now receives free ration, while govt services such as income certificates, residence certificates and Ayushman cards are being provided transparently.

Highlighting his govt’s commitment to law and order, Yogi warned that anyone attempting to threaten the safety of women or traders would face strict action.

The CM said UP’s improved security environment had helped attract significant investments and create employment opportunities.

Referring to Balrampur’s sugar industry, he noted that the district was producing eco-friendly material that could serve as an alternative to plastic.

Yogi credited PM Narendra Modi and the “double engine govt” for transforming Balrampur from an aspirational district into a rapidly developing region.

He cited major achievements, including improved roads, reliable electricity, the Saryu National Project, a medical college, the Har Ghar Nal Yojana, the Tharu Museum and the establishment of Maa Pateshwari University.

He also highlighted efforts to provide housing and land ownership rights to residents of Vantangiya villages and said members of the Tharu community now have access to homes, education and other basic facilities.

Yogi further noted that Balrampur recorded the highest student enrolment in the state this year, according to Basic Education Department data, describing it as an encouraging sign of social progress.

Calling Balrampur a model of development among border districts, Yogi said the district’s rapid transformation demonstrated the benefits of good governance, effective leadership and public participation in the development process.