With the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) setting its sights on achieving '80 in 80' in Uttar Pradesh in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is relying heavily on the vast number of beneficiaries of both Central and state government schemes over the past seven years to secure a resounding victory.
The primary beneficiary class, known as 'labharthis', spans across caste and community lines and holds significant sway in Uttar Pradesh's political landscape. This demographic supported the BJP in the 2022 Assembly elections and is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi's return to power for a third consecutive term.
Chief Minister Adityanath has been actively working to extend the reach of various welfare schemes to every corner of the state. According to a government spokesman, up to 15 crore individuals benefit from free ration provided by the government, with assistance extended to all disadvantaged sections of society without discrimination.
Initiated during the Covid-19 pandemic to alleviate hardships, these schemes continue to garner support from the populace, bolstering the BJP's electoral prospects. Approximately 1.75 crore households have received LPG connections through the Central government's Ujjwala Scheme, while the MNREGA scheme has provided immediate employment to a significant number of people in rural areas.
The beneficiary category also includes families provided with permanent residences under the PM Awas Yojana within the state. Under Chief Minister Adityanath's leadership, approximately 56 lakh houses have been constructed, offering homes to individuals previously residing in rented accommodations.
Furthermore, the PM SVANidhi Yojna has extended loans to 17 lakh street vendors, while nearly 2.61 crore toilets have been constructed and ownership certificates distributed to 66.59 lakh beneficiaries. The government has also supported destitute women and elderly individuals through old-age pensions, with numerous students benefiting from government scholarships annually.
Government efforts have resulted in six crore people in the state transcending the multi-dimensional poverty line, with initiatives such as Har Ghar Nal Yojana and electrification further enhancing lives.
The Yogi Adityanath government has undertaken extensive outreach efforts to engage with beneficiaries of both Central and state schemes, promptly addressing any issues that may arise. Transparency in scheme implementation has been prioritized, with Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) ensuring that only eligible individuals receive benefits, thus eliminating the risk of fraud.
With meticulous monitoring and swift resolution of issues, Chief Minister Adityanath aims to maintain the momentum of welfare schemes and secure overwhelming support from beneficiaries in the upcoming elections.