Yogi lauds PM: ‘Transformed service into pledge, governance into culture & security a priority'

Indian Express

2 days ago

PRIME MINISTER Narendra Modi has given India a global identity and the last 11 years have transformed service into a pledge, governance into a culture, and security into a priority, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said in Lucknow on Tuesday.
Adityanath was addressing a press conference on the 11th anniversary of the Modi-led government at the Centre.
The CM also congratulated the Prime Minister on behalf of the Uttar Pradesh government and presented the Centre's report card, highlighting good governance and welfare initiatives for the poor.
The Chief Minister claimed that in the first 65 years after Independence, Congress-led and 'unstable' governments broke the people's trust and damaged India's global image. In contrast, the past 11 years under Prime Minister Modi have given the country a corruption-free, nepotism-free, and appeasement-free leadership, he said.
The CM said that before 2014, India was seen as a nation that spoke of peace, even in the face of provocation. But under PM Modi, a new doctrine — the 'New Normal' — has emerged: while India prefers peaceful development with like-minded nations, any breach of security or promotion of terrorism would be met with decisive action such as surgical strikes, air strikes and Operation Sindoor. The CM also praised the abrogation of Article 370, saying it brought Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh fully into the constitutional fold.
He said the Modi government has empowered women through various schemes. For the first time, girls were admitted to Sainik Schools and women were recruited into the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, Maharashtra.
Adityanath said that before 2014, India remained the world's 11th largest economy. However, under PM Modi's leadership over the past 11 years, India has risen to become the fourth largest economy, surpassing Britain and now overtaking Japan. He added that India is the only major economy to have doubled in size within a decade and is the first country to more than double its per capita income — from Rs 79,000 in 2013–14 to around Rs 2.5 lakh today. With this momentum, India is on track to become the world's third-largest economy by 2027.
He said that under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, 81 crore people nationwide — including 15 crore in Uttar Pradesh — receive 5 kg of free food grains every month.
He added that while Congress governments built only one AIIMS, Atal Bihari Vajpayee added six, and Prime Minister Modi expanded the number to 23—including two in Uttar Pradesh (Gorakhpur and Rae Bareli). He added that till 2014, India had just 180 medical colleges; today, there are 2,045 medical colleges nationwide, with 80 in Uttar Pradesh alone. MBBS seats have increased from 51,348 to 1.18 lakh, and PG seats from 13,246 to over 74,000.
Adityanath said that the coordination of faith and economy has created a new model of development, with spiritual heritage becoming a catalyst for economic growth. He cited the example of the Maha Kumbh, where five new economic corridors emerged, boosting employment and regional economies.
The CM mentioned about Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi, Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, Vindhyavasini Dham, Naimish Dham, Shuk Tirtha, Mathura-Vrindavan, Chitrakoot — all in Uttar Pradesh.
Nationally, Yogi mentioned Mahakal Mahalok, Kedarpuri, and Badrinath Dham redeveloped with modern amenities, enhancing religious tourism.
An exhibition was also organised at the BJP State Office to mark the completion of 11 years of PM Modi's tenure. There were displays highlighting key schemes launched by the Central Government over the past 11 years and their achievements, including Operation Sindoor, appreciating its significance and timely execution.