Earlier opposition stood with mafia, now creating hurdles in UP's development: CM Yogi Adityanath

VARANASI: Reiterating that "hum bate the toh kate the (When we are a divided lot, we were butchered)" against the opposition's 'caste card', UP CM Yogi Adityanath said, "In the past, they (the opposition parties) stood solidly with the mafia, and now they are playing the role of a barrier in the way of the development of Uttar Pradesh."
While addressing a public meeting after inaugurating and laying the foundation for 127 development projects worth Rs 765 crore at Gopalpur in Mirzapur on Monday, CM Yogi said, "Ayodhya Dham is now flourishing.The grand temple of Lord Ram Lalla has been built, but we must ask why we had to wait for 500 years for this moment. Why did invaders destroy the magnificent temple of Lord Ram Lalla and impose a structure symbolising slavery? The answer lies in our disunity. 'Hum bate the, toh kate the'. Therefore, let us not be divided and move forward together in an atmosphere of development and security."
Mirzapur's Majhwan seat is one of the ten assembly segments going for a bypoll soon.
Targeting the opposition, Yogi said, “Before 2017, the mafia operated like a parallel govt, dominating sectors like mining, cattle trade, organised crime, and land grabbing. When their convoys passed, public representatives were filled with fear, and the administration yielded to them. Nobody dared to confront the mafia.”
“But today, the same mafia and criminals are pleading for mercy and are willing to make an honest living by setting up small stalls. They no longer instil fear in anyone. Now, no one dares to threaten the safety of our daughters, exploit traders, seize farmers' land, or demolish the homes of the poor," said the CM.
“Those who shamelessly played the caste card used to grovel before the mafia, dangerous criminals, and rioters. Now, as the state makes rapid strides in development, these same people seek to act as obstacles again. By doing so, they are not only endangering the present but also jeopardising the future of coming generations. We must not allow the mafia to rise again,” CM Yogi said.
“It’s a new UP where Kashi Vishwanath Dham is radiating magnificently, and in 2025, Prayagraj will witness a grand and divine Kumbh. Devotees visiting Kashi or the Kumbh will also be drawn to Vindhyavasini Dham,” he said, adding Mirzapur is in a fortunate posi tion, enjoying the best of both worlds.
The CM, who distributed smartphones and tablets to 1,500 youths under the Swami Vivekananda Yuva Sashaktikaran Yojana, said two crore youths in UP are being provided with smartphones and tablets. The country’s youth will contribute to the nation’s growth and help India on its path to becoming a five-trillion-dollar economy, he added.
The CM mentioned how the upcoming carpet exhibition in Bhadohi will bring orders and opportunities for artisans and exporters, while the International Trade Show in Greater Noida from September 25 to 29 will also feature carpets from Mirzapur and Bhadohi.
This platform will allow local products to be displayed to a global audience. Exporting these goods could bring substantial profits, and as capital flows into the region, it will drive development in Mirzapur, Bhadohi, and Sonbhadra.