From identity crisis to a symbol of courage, Azamgarh has transformed: CM Yogi

CM Yogi inaugurates Gorakhpur Link Expressway in Azamgarh

91.352 km Gorakhpur Link Expressway built at a cost of Rs 7,283 crore

”UP is no longer a BIMARU state; it is emerging as the Expressway State,” says CM Yogi

Before 2017, it was hard to tell if there were potholes in the road or if the road was in a pothole: CM

Opposition partnered with D-Company, nurtured Dawood instead of focusing on development: CM Yogi

No compromise on state or national security, new India shows its strength through operations like ‘Sindoor’, says CM Yogi

Lucknow/Azamgarh : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Friday, said that Azamgarh, once plagued by an identity crisis, has now transformed into a stronghold of indomitable courage. This change is the result of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guidance and the efforts of the double-engine government, which have transformed Uttar Pradesh from a BIMARU state into an ‘expressway state’.

The CM inaugurated the 91.352 km long Gorakhpur Link Expressway built at a cost of Rs. 7,283 crore in Azamgarh. Amid the chanting of Vedic mantras, he cut the ribbon and dedicated the expressway to the public. During this, he said, “This expressway will provide world-class connectivity not only to Azamgarh but also to Ambedkar Nagar, Sant Kabir Nagar, and Gorakhpur.”

CM Yogi further said that the Gorakhpur Link Expressway will connect eastern Uttar Pradesh to the mainstream of development and make travel from Patna to Delhi much easier. He noted that in 2017, only two expressways existed—Yamuna and Agra–Lucknow, and the latter was incomplete until the BJP government finished it.

Today, the state has the 340 km Purvanchal Expressway, the 300 km Bundelkhand Expressway, and the 91 km Gorakhpur Link Expressway operational. In addition, work is underway on six more expressways, including the 600 km Ganga Expressway, Lucknow–Kanpur, and the Ballia link, he added.

The CM added that the Delhi–Meerut Expressway has already cut down the travel time from three hours to just 40–45 minutes. He mentioned that the Ganga Expressway will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister by the end of this year, making Uttar Pradesh’s infrastructure so strong that nothing can stop the state from becoming prosperous. He said that by 2047, when India becomes a developed nation, Uttar Pradesh will play a leading role as a developed and self-reliant state, thanks to the efforts of the double-engine BJP government.

Targeting the opposition, CM Yogi said that before 2017, the roads were in such poor condition that it was hard to distinguish the road from the potholes. “The foundation stone for the Purvanchal Expressway had been laid, but not even the land was acquired. The previous government wanted to build a 110 meter wide expressway for Rs. 15,200 crore, but the double-engine government built a wider, 120 meter expressway for Rs. 11,800 crore.” He added that people understand very well where the saved money would have gone if things had been left to the previous government.

Attacking the opposition, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday accused previous governments of aligning with underworld elements instead of prioritizing development. “They joined hands with the D-Company and Dawood’s gang, compromising the state’s security and turning Azamgarh into a hub of terror.” He recalled the murder of Ajit Rai in 2007–08 at Shibli National College for standing up for ‘Vande Mataram’, and said that now no one would dare such an act.

“Today, if anyone tries to play with the security of the state, ‘a ticket to Yamraj’ is already booked for them,” Yogi added.

CM Yogi firmly asserted that national and state security would not be compromised under any circumstances. Referring to Operation Sindoor, surgical strikes, and air strikes, he said these are examples of New India’s resolve. “Anyone who dares to breach security will face dire consequences,” he declared.

He added that the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, the construction of grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi, Maa Vindhyavasini Dham, and Chitrakoot Dham have given a new identity to the state. Similar work has started in Mathura–Vrindavan too. In Azamgarh, Maharaja Suheldev University and the new Medical College are strengthening its cultural identity.

Pointing to the recent recruitment of 60,244 police personnel, CM Yogi said that for the first time, youth from every caste and religion — including 12,045 girls — have been selected for government jobs without any recommendations or bribes.

He said that before 2017, ‘chacha-bhatija’ used to go out for extortion, but now it’s ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ (development for all). He mentioned that industrial clusters will be developed along the expressways, providing local jobs to the youth and giving them the respect and recognition they deserve across the country and the world.

CM Yogi said that Azamgarh, which once struggled with an identity crisis despite having given the state two Chief Ministers, has now joined the mainstream of development thanks to the double-engine government. This link expressway will not only connect Azamgarh to Gorakhpur but also give a new boost to the entire Purvanchal region.

He said that earlier people feared the name Azamgarh, but after 2017, the double-engine government gave new identity and recognition to Azamgarh’s sari, black pottery, and the music heritage of Hariharpur. These were ignored in the past, but after Nirahua (Dinesh Lal Yadav) and Neelam Sonkar became Members of Parliament, the district witnessed a rapid wave of development.

While talking about industrial growth, CM Yogi said, “New industrial clusters are being developed along the expressways, allowing young people to find jobs closer to their homes. Today, the youth no longer have to struggle for an identity. UP now has 16 airports, including four international airports, and four-lane connectivity across the state — making Uttar Pradesh reach new heights of progress.”

CM Yogi visits exhibition related to construction work of the Link Expressway
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also visited an exhibition of sand and photographs showcasing the construction work of the Link Expressway. During the event, a song about CM Yogi’s style of working, performed by Chandra Shekhar Goswami from Varanasi, captivated all the guests. The event was attended by Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, Cabinet Ministers Swatantra Dev Singh, Anil Rajbhar, Dara Singh Chauhan, Nand Gopal Nandi, and Girish Chandra Yadav, along with Minister of State Jaswant Singh Saini, former MP Dinesh Lal Yadav ‘Nirahua’, and several MLAs and officials.