Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said a single vote cast in favour of the right leadership can drive development and ensure security, but when votes are influenced by caste, regionalism or dynastic politics, they pave the way for mafia rule and lawlessness.
The chief minister was addressing a gathering during the inauguration and foundation stone-laying ceremony for various public welfare projects worth more than Rs 208 crore in Maharajganj district.
Highlighting the impact of public support, Adityanath said people’s votes had contributed to major infrastructure projects, including the transformation of the Gorakhpur-Sonauli route into a four-lane highway.
“Your single vote is bringing transformative change. It is helping build roads, improve infrastructure and strengthen connectivity. This is the power of a vote cast in the right direction. It leads to development, guarantees security, creates employment opportunities for youth, supports farmers and ensures protection for every daughter. It also helps deliver the benefits of government schemes to every poor household,” he said.
The chief minister alleged that when voting is guided by caste considerations, regional divisions or dynastic politics, it gives rise to criminal elements and mafia culture.
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“It leads to anarchy, hooliganism and the illegal occupation of public properties and lands belonging to the poor. Such a mindset encourages lawlessness. The double-engine government has put an end to these practices,” Adityanath asserted.
He further claimed that Uttar Pradesh had undergone a massive transformation since 2017 and contrasted the current situation with earlier governments.
“Before 2017, the youth of Uttar Pradesh faced an identity crisis. People from the state often hesitated to disclose their identity while travelling outside. Healthcare infrastructure was weak, and farmers were pushed to desperation,” he said.
Adityanath claimed that Uttar Pradesh has now emerged as one of the leading states in terms of infrastructure and economic growth.
“Today, Uttar Pradesh has the best infrastructure in the country. The state accounts for nearly 60 per cent of India’s expressways. It has the highest number of operational airports and the largest metro rail network in the country. Uttar Pradesh is also becoming the fastest-growing economy in India,” he said.
Referring to the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the chief minister questioned whether parties such as the Congress, Samajwadi Party or Bahujan Samaj Party could have completed the temple project.
“That is why even the people of West Bengal have now decided to remove this obstacle. They have realised that if Uttar Pradesh and Bihar can benefit from a double-engine government, Bengal too deserves similar progress,” he said.
Adityanath also claimed that Maharajganj and the wider Purvanchal region had been freed from an atmosphere of riots, fear and mafia dominance and were now connected to development and better governance.
“The region is now witnessing improved healthcare, stronger road connectivity, better irrigation facilities, employment opportunities and enhanced security,” he said.
The chief minister further alleged that previous governments had spent crores of rupees on constructing boundary walls around cemeteries, whereas the current administration was using public funds for welfare initiatives and improving facilities at temples. “The visible development in Maharajganj is the result of electing the right MPs and MLAs,” he added.
Recalling the condition of the district before 2017, Adityanath said Maharajganj had struggled with encephalitis outbreaks, poor healthcare, migration, criminal activities and weak infrastructure.
“Encephalitis was claiming the lives of innocent children. Roads were riddled with potholes, electricity supply was unreliable, land-grabbing incidents were common and farmers, women and youth felt insecure. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the double-engine government transformed Maharajganj,” he said.
Taking a swipe at previous administrations, the chief minister alleged that they had failed to understand the hardships faced by poor people.
“Today, Vantangiya villages are receiving all facilities available to regular revenue villages. Every poor family is getting housing, toilets, ration and healthcare coverage under Ayushman Bharat. Villages are now better connected, and employment opportunities are being created for the youth,” he said.
Referring to the historical and cultural ties between India and Nepal, Adityanath emphasised the importance of developing border regions such as Nautanwa, Pharenda and Sonauli.
“India and Nepal are not merely neighbouring nations but friendly countries connected through shared culture, faith and social bonds. Integrating border regions into the mainstream of development is our top priority so that residents there never feel neglected or backward,” he said.
He added that the development of Maharajganj, Nautanwa and Pharenda, which are linked to the Buddhist circuit and situated near the international border, was crucial not only for public welfare and connectivity but also from the perspective of national security and strategic importance.
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