The public knows who nurtured the mafia: CM Yogi Adityanath

CM Yogi targets the previous SP regime over mafia patronage without naming them

Gorakhpur, December 2025 : Without naming the previous Samajwadi Party government or its leaders, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a sharp attack on those who, he said, nurtured the mafia and pushed Uttar Pradesh into an identity crisis.

“The public knows very well who patronised the mafia that threatened the state’s very identity. Today, visuals of those making accusations are seen on television alongside mafia elements, even accepting gifts from them. These are the same people who tarnished Uttar Pradesh’s image and promoted a ‘One District, One Mafia’ system,” the Chief Minister said.

CM Yogi was addressing a public gathering after inaugurating the Gorakhnath Overbridge in Gorakhpur, constructed at a cost of ₹137.83 crore. He highlighted the achievements of the BJP’s double-engine government in the areas of heritage, development, and public welfare, while criticising previous regimes for prioritising mafia patronage over progress.

“The previous governments lacked the right intent. Development funds were misused, the state treasury was drained to fill family coffers. Development cannot be expected from those whose politics revolves only around their families. This was the reality of Uttar Pradesh before 2017,” he said.

Speaking about the transformation of the state, CM Yogi said that when intentions are honest, even destiny supports progress. “Uttar Pradesh is no longer a ‘BIMARU’ state. Today, it is a revenue-surplus state. Earlier, the treasury was emptied for one family; now it is being used for public welfare and development.”

He said the state’s resources are now reaching the people through infrastructure development, medical and engineering colleges, pension schemes, Kanya Sumangala Yojana, mass marriage programmes, PM Matru Vandana Yojana, free ration distribution, and LPG connections.

Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said that India has acquired a new global identity under his leadership. “Today, we proudly say ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’. What India says, the world listens to. Under PM Modi’s leadership, the country is witnessing all-round development, and the double-engine government is ensuring that the poor receive housing, food, cooking gas, and healthcare without discrimination.”

CM Yogi said that eight and a half years ago, Uttar Pradesh, including Gorakhpur, faced an identity crisis marked by disease, filth, lawlessness, mafia dominance, electricity shortages, and lack of basic amenities. “People looked at Gorakhpur and Uttar Pradesh with disdain. That perception has completely changed.”

Highlighting Gorakhpur’s transformation, he said the fertiliser factory that remained closed for years is now operational. The city’s illuminated streets reflect a new Gorakhpur and a new Uttar Pradesh. AIIMS now welcomes visitors near the airport, and BRD Medical College has been transformed into a modern treatment centre with advanced facilities. Ramgarh Tal, once associated with crime and filth during the SP regime, has now emerged as a major tourist destination.

“Gorakhpur is now free from mafia, mosquitoes, and disease. Encephalitis has been effectively controlled. A strong road network is visible today. Travel to Lucknow and Varanasi has become faster and easier with expressways and four-lane highways,” he said.

The Chief Minister said similar development is visible across the state. Ayodhya has been rejuvenated, reflecting the spirit of Treta Yuga. Kashi has emerged as the country’s spiritual capital, fulfilling PM Modi’s vision. Prayagraj has gained a new identity through large-scale infrastructure development, with over 66 crore devotees visiting during the Mahakumbh.

“Earlier it was ‘One District, One Mafia’. Today it is ‘One District, One Medical College’,” CM Yogi said, listing medical colleges established across eastern Uttar Pradesh and announcing that Ballia will also get one soon.

Addressing citizens like a guardian, the Chief Minister urged people to take precautions during the severe cold wave. He said the government has arranged bonfires, blankets, and night shelters, and advised people to avoid unnecessary travel, wear warm clothing, and seek timely medical help if unwell.

Speaking on the occasion, MP Ravi Kishan said CM Yogi’s development-oriented vision is being discussed globally. He said Uttar Pradesh has attracted investments worth ₹45 lakh crore under the Chief Minister’s leadership, with ₹15 lakh crore more in the pipeline, and over nine lakh government jobs provided transparently.

Mayor Dr Manglesh Srivastava, while welcoming the Chief Minister, said continuous efforts are being made to expand civic facilities in Gorakhpur. District Panchayat President Sadhna Singh, MLAs Vipin Singh and Pradeep Shukla, MLC Dr Dharmendra Singh, BJP District President Janardan Tiwari, and Metropolitan Coordinator Rajesh Gupta were also present.

About the Gorakhnath Overbridge

The newly inaugurated overbridge will significantly ease traffic movement for devotees and commuters travelling to and from Gorakhnath Temple. Built parallel to the existing overbridge on the Lucknow–Gorakhpur railway line between Domingarh and Gorakhpur Junction, it allows separate routes for incoming and outgoing traffic.

View cutters have been installed on both sides to protect the privacy of nearby residences and reduce vehicle noise, providing both convenience and comfort to local residents.