LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday accused the previous Samajwadi Party (SP) government of restricting religious practices and preventing festivals in the state, alleging that it had stopped Kanwar Yatras and celebrations in western Uttar Pradesh.Addressing a gathering in Gonda, Adityanath said that during the SP government’s tenure, even devotees who wanted to worship Maa Durga at home faced opposition, with complaints being filed against them.“If a follower of Sanatan Dharma wished to worship Maa Durga in their own home, others would file complaints against it. The then-Samajwadi Party government in Lucknow would intervene to stop such practices. They used to prevent the Kanwar Yatra from taking place and would not allow festivals or celebrations to be observed in Western Uttar Pradesh. No development schemes ever reached this region,” Adityanath said.Contrasting the previous government’s approach with his administration’s development initiatives, the chief minister highlighted Ayodhya’s transformation and said the Deepotsav celebrations on the sacred land of Lord Ram would also contribute to Gonda’s development.“We advanced the development of Ayodhya. The Deepotsav on the sacred land of Lord Ram is bound to bring development to Gonda as well,” he said.Earlier, Adityanath inaugurated 69 development projects worth over Rs 520 crore and laid foundation stones for them in the Mankapur and Gaura Assembly constituencies of Gonda district.In a post on X, he said the ‘double-engine’ government was committed to expanding public amenities through development projects and ensuring that welfare schemes brought prosperity to people at the bottom of the social ladder.He asserted that his government’s focus was on improving public facilities and the livelihoods of people at the grassroots level.“The ‘double-engine’ government is committed to ensuring that every development project expands public amenities, and every welfare scheme brings prosperity to the lives of those standing at the very last rung of the social ladder,” he said.On the occasion of Diwali, Adityanath also stressed the importance of celebrating the festival collectively and urged people to share its joy with those facing hardships or lacking basic necessities.“According to our traditions and heritage, our celebrations are never solitary or exclusive. There is a philosophy behind this sense of togetherness; everyone comes together to enjoy the festivities,” he said.Calling on people to support those in need, he said, “Connect with others, reach out to those who may be facing hardships or lack certain necessities, visit their homes, and share a Diwali gift with them.”The chief minister extended Diwali greetings and expressed confidence that Gonda’s development would continue at a steady pace.“I extend my heartfelt Diwali greetings and best wishes to everyone. I am confident that Gonda’s journey of development will continue to progress steadily,” he said.(With inputs from ANI)
