CM Yogi addresses World Hindu Economic Forum 2024 in Mumbai

Mumbai : Declaring that this is the new Uttar Pradesh of a new India, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that UP’s GDP, which was Rs 12.5 to 13 crore from 2012 to 2017 by March 2025, is set to grow into a ₹32 lakh crore economy.

The CM made the remark at the World Hindu Economic Forum-2024 in Mumbai. He highlighted the progress Uttar Pradesh has achieved since 2017 while criticizing the flawed policies of previous governments.

Inviting everyone to Mahakumbh-2025, he said, “The event will showcase a unique blend of faith and modernity. With 40 crore devotees expected to attend, the Mahakumbh will also serve as a platform to share Uttar Pradesh’s remarkable growth story.”

The CM recalled an incident from 2007 when former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram visited Uttar Pradesh. During the launch of his book “An Outside View: Why Good Economics Works for Everyone,” Chidambaram claimed that India was never a wealthy nation, has always been poor, and continues to face poverty today. He even suggested that books describing India as the “land of milk and honey” or the “golden bird” should be burned.

CM Yogi expressed disappointment, questioning what could be expected from leaders with such views, who also disrespect India’s heritage by calling Lord Ram and Lord Krishna myths.

CM Yogi’s Criticism of Congress and Opposition

CM Yogi Adityanath recalled an incident from 2007 when former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram visited Uttar Pradesh. During the launch of his book “An Outside View: Why Good Economics Works for Everyone,” Chidambaram claimed that India was never a wealthy nation, has always been poor, and continues to face poverty today. He even suggested that books describing India as the “land of milk and honey” or the “golden bird” should be burned.

CM Yogi expressed disappointment, questioning what could be expected from leaders with such views, who also disrespect India’s heritage by calling Lord Ram and Lord Krishna myths.

Attack on Opposition’s Hypocrisy

CM Yogi accused the Congress-led opposition of hypocrisy, stating that they filed a motion against the Vice President, who is also the Rajya Sabha Chairman. He criticized them for trying to silence those who speak the truth by threatening impeachment while hypocritically claiming to uphold the Constitution.

Referring to a statement by an Allahabad High Court judge advocating for a Uniform Civil Code, CM Yogi highlighted how most countries respect the sentiments of their majority population. However, in India, discussing the interests of the majority or speaking the truth is treated as a crime, he asserted.

He pointed out that the opposition filed an impeachment notice against the judge for simply expressing this view.

The CM said, “They call themselves democratic. They carry the constitution book with them, but they have no shame. These are the people who strangle the Constitution.”

The Chief Minister stressed the need for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India, stating that the country must move beyond the division between majority and minority communities.

He remarked that in most nations, societal systems align with the sentiments of the majority population. Similarly, in India, the majority is advocating for the removal of such distinctions, but some groups are opposing this idea by using coercion and silencing voices of truth.

CM Yogi criticized these groups for undermining the Constitution and attempting to dictate the country’s system by force. He added that the nation is observing these actions, and there is a need to expose such behavior. He accused them of trying to suppress the truth through intimidation.

Criticizing Congress, the CM accused some of its leaders of denying India’s identity and attempting to undermine the country’s rich culture, traditions, language, and the role of women in society. He claimed that such individuals are constantly working to diminish India’s pride and heritage.

Referring to ancient epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, CM Yogi remarked that Maharishi Ved Vyas, the revered author of the Mahabharata, was not affiliated with the RSS or BJP. Taking a jibe at Rahul Gandhi, he sarcastically added that “highly intellectual” figures like him might even claim that Ved Vyas attended RSS meetings.

He said, “As long as such people remain active, these attempts to discredit India’s legacy will continue.” He lauded the Vice President for upholding constitutional dignity while effectively managing the upper house, stating that his rise through merit and capability has upset the opposition. “They cannot accept how a farmer’s son has achieved such a position, as it once belonged to a particular family,” Yogi said.

He further criticized those who try to intimidate individuals speaking the truth, including justices who highlight societal realities through cultural and social organizations. “Such truth-suppressing people must be exposed before society,” Yogi emphasized.

Referring to the peaceful resolution of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi dispute by the Supreme Court, Yogi recalled how Congress platforms once made derogatory remarks against the judges involved. He added that some had predicted rivers of blood would flow following the Ayodhya verdict, to which he confidently responded, “Not even a mosquito will die. Yet you talk about riots and violence.”

The Chief Minister emphasized how Uttar Pradesh has successfully balanced heritage and development. He noted a remarkable transformation in tourism numbers, citing that before 2014, Varanasi welcomed only 50 lakh tourists annually, whereas thistle year, 16 crore visitors came.

“This surge has significantly boosted the local economy, benefiting hotels, e-rickshaw and taxi drivers, markets, and boatmen. Even in the off-season, 1 to 1.5 lakh devotees visit daily,” Yogi said.

He highlighted Ayodhya’s transformation, where yearly pilgrim numbers have risen from 20-25 lakh to 12 crore, within a projection of 16 crore in the future. Similarly, Mathura-Vrindavan has witnessed an unprecedented rise in tourists.

In 2023 alone, Uttar Pradesh attracted several crore tourists, a significant leap from the earlier figure of just 1 to 1.5 crore. This growth has had a positive impact on the state’s economy, the CM added.

The CM outlined the reforms that have reshaped Uttar Pradesh’s identity and economy. He emphasized that UP’s share in the nation’s GDP has grown to 9.2%, and the state has risen from the 10th-largest economy in the country to a leading position.

“Unique products from 57 of UP’s 75 districts are now recognized globally, contributing to exports worth ₹2 lakh crore annually. The second Global Investors Summit attracted investment proposals worth ₹40 lakh crore,” Yogi added.

The CM highlighted that with 20 operational airports, including 4 international ones, Asia’s largest airport in Jewar will commence operations by April 2025. Ganga Expressway will also be completed by 2025, increasing UP’s expressway share to 55%. He said that the state is advancing defence corridor manufacturing, metro operations, and India’s first rapid rail project. UP’s GDP has surged from ₹12.5-13 lakh crore (2012-2017) to a projected ₹32 lakh crore by March 2025.

The CM highlighted that migration from UP has reversed, with businesses flourishing, and declared the state as a key driver of India’s journey toward a $1 trillion economy.

He emphasized that today’s India honors and protects its labor force. He highlighted the gesture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who honored workers in Ayodhya with a floral tribute on January 22. In contrast, the CM pointed out the actions of past rulers who allegedly punished those who built the Taj Mahal by cutting off their hands.

Speaking about the transformation since 2014, CM Yogi said, “The condition of India before 2014 is well known, and under PM Modi’s leadership, India has embraced a new vision of development while also respecting its heritage.” He further mentioned efforts to control COVID-19 and eradicate encephalitis as significant achievements in UP, where heritage and development have complemented each other in contributing to the state’s prosperity.

The event was attended by Swami Vigyananand, Secretary of the Organizing Committee Ravi Kant Mishra, RSS Mumbai Metropolitan Chief Suresh Bhageria, and Swadesh Khetawat among others.