Lucknow: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said Uttar Pradesh has moved from an era of lawlessness and “mafia rule” before 2017 to a safer environment for women after the BJP came to power, citing a zero-tolerance approach towards crime and improved law and order as key changes.In a message posted on social media platform X to greet people on Mahanavami, Yogi said the state’s development journey reflected a transition from “Sankalp to Siddhi” and aligned with the vision of “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Uttar Pradesh”.Invoking Maa Siddhidatri, he said women in Uttar Pradesh are playing a decisive role in the state’s progress through their capabilities, resolve and self-confidence.Emphasising the importance of women’s respect, he said prosperity and well-being prevail where women are honoured. Drawing a comparison with the period before 2017, the chief minister alleged that riots, festival-time disturbances, curfews and the unchecked influence of criminals had created insecurity to the extent that parents felt compelled to send their daughters to other states for safety.He said that after 2017, the “double-engine govt” adopted a zero-tolerance policy against crime and criminals, leading to the restoration of the rule of law and transforming the state into “Utsav Pradesh”. He added that govt initiatives focused on women’s safety, dignity and self-reliance contributed to changing Uttar Pradesh’s image and strengthening its role in the country’s economy.Yogi said that since 2017 the state’s GSDP, per capita income, budget and female labour force participation had tripled. He claimed the state received investment proposals worth more than Rs 50 lakh crore, while the number of large factories increased from 14,000 to 35,000. He said these investments generated employment for more than 65 lakh people and that Defence Industrial Corridor was helping advance self-reliance in defence production.He also said Uttar Pradesh now accounts for 60% of India’s total expressway network and that the state’s agricultural growth rate rose from 8% to 18%. He cited 9.5 lakh govt jobs provided through “fair and transparent” recruitment, an increase in start-ups from 120 to over 24,000, and over 3 crore employment opportunities created by reviving the MSME sector.Yogi reiterated the govt’s commitment to “Empowered Women, Prosperous UP” and the goal of “Viksit Bharat, Viksit UP.”
