Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently marked the completion of eight years of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) governance in the state. Addressing an event to commemorate the milestone, he highlighted the significant transformations witnessed in Uttar Pradesh under the BJP-led "double-engine government."
According to him, the achievements of the past eight years surpass the progress made during the combined 22-year tenure of previous administrations.
Reflecting on the state's condition eight years ago, CM Yogi stated that Uttar Pradesh had been grappling with an identity crisis. Issues such as farmer suicides, limited employment opportunities for the youth, and deteriorating law and order had plagued the state.
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for steering Uttar Pradesh towards a path of development and expressed gratitude to the state's 25 crore residents for their ongoing support.
The Chief Minister emphasised the drastic change in governance, stating that despite the same administrative machinery, a change in leadership had led to notable advancements.
He proudly asserted that Uttar Pradesh, once considered part of the BIMARU states — an acronym denoting states with poor socio-economic indicators — has now emerged as a "growth engine" for the nation's economic progress.
Highlighting agricultural growth, CM Yogi pointed out that the state's agriculture sector, once neglected, has flourished due to the utilisation of advanced technology and abundant resources.
The agricultural growth rate has reportedly increased from 5 per cent in 2016-17 to over 13.5 per cent, contributing to a 28 per cent rise in Uttar Pradesh's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The implementation of schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Prime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi, and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana has positively impacted farmers' lives, with food grain production increasing by 20 per cent in the last year alone.
The revival of the state's sugar industry was also highlighted. CM Yogi recalled that before 2017, the industry was on the verge of collapse. However, the government managed to revive six closed sugar mills, set up three new ones, and expand 38 others.
Currently, 122 sugar mills are operational across the state.
The Chief Minister noted that since 2017, sugarcane farmers have received payments exceeding ₹2.8 lakh crore — a figure surpassing the combined payouts made by previous governments over two decades.
Regarding law and order, CM Yogi spoke of the state's struggle with frequent riots, criminal activities, and a lack of public safety before 2017. He mentioned that there used to be riots almost daily, with citizens, particularly women and businessmen, living in constant fear.
However, he claimed that the present government has brought stability and safety, evidenced by the peaceful organisation of the Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj.
The Chief Minister attributed the improvement in law and order to systematic police reforms. When the BJP government came to power, over 1.5 lakh police posts were vacant, and recruitment processes were marred by corruption.
CM Yogi's administration recruited over 1.56 lakh police personnel transparently and completed another 60,200 recruitments. In total, more than 2.16 lakh police personnel have been added to the force over the past eight years.
Furthermore, infrastructural development within the police department has been a priority. CM Yogi stated that before 2017, ten districts lacked police lines, and police barracks were in a state of disrepair.
Presently, all ten districts have established police lines, new barracks have been built at police stations, and training capacities have been significantly expanded.
The government has also worked to curb riots and strengthen law enforcement by reinstating the 54 PAC battalions, which had been dismantled by previous governments.
Additionally, three women PAC battalions were formed, and five new PAC units were introduced across the state. To enhance security, a Special Security Force was established to guard airports, metro stations, and other crucial institutions.
Cyber police stations have been set up in every district, and emergency response times under service 112 have been reduced from nearly 26 minutes in 2017 to just over 7 minutes.
The Chief Minister noted the installation of over 11 lakh CCTV cameras throughout the state, positioning Uttar Pradesh as a leader in implementing the cyber city concept, following the Supreme Court's directive after the Nirbhaya incident.
Concluding his address, CM Yogi reaffirmed his government's commitment to ensuring public safety, good governance, and overall development.
He stated that the progress witnessed in the past eight years is a testament to what determined leadership and focused administration can achieve.
The Chief Minister expressed optimism that the state would continue on its path of growth and prosperity, setting a benchmark for the rest of the country.
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