Hardoi (UP), Apr 15 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee accusing her of encouraging communal unrest under the guise of secularism.
Speaking in Hardoi at the inauguration and foundation laying ceremony of 729 development projects worth Rs 650 crore, the CM said, "She has given rioters a free license in the name of secularism."
He compared Bengal's current law and order to pre-2017 UP, asserting that only firm action, 'lathi', can curb rioters, not words. "Before 2017, UP was plagued by frequent riots. We restored law and order because rioters only understand one language, the language of 'lathi'. Mere words won't stop them," he said.
Yogi alleged that similar unchecked violence is now unfolding in West Bengal, where the administration has chosen silence. "Bengal is burning, and the CM calls rioters messengers of peace. But such elements won't be controlled with words. In the name of secularism, she has given them a free license to create chaos. Murshidabad has been burning for a week, yet the state government remains mum," he said.
He lauded the judiciary for stepping in and deploying central forces to protect minority Hindu communities in Bengal. "We are thankful to the Court for intervening and ensuring the safety of innocent citizens," he said.
Criticising the opposition parties for their silence on the issue, the CM said, "The Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP) and All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) have all remained silent. Instead of condemning the violence, they are offering veiled support. Anyone glorifying what happened in Bangladesh should simply go there. Why be a burden on India's soil?"
Expressing gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, the CM praised the recent Waqf Amendment Act. "The law will stop illegal occupation of land meant for the poor and allow the government to use such land for building hospitals, schools, universities, and houses. Now no one will be allowed to grab land and indulge in hooliganism," he said, pointing out how such practices were previously unchecked.
He cautioned people against those trying to mislead by spreading misinformation. He urged citizens to trust the Constitution drafted by Dr BR Ambedkar and to be part of the development journey.
During the event, he paid floral tribute to the Vijay Diwas of 1857 freedom fighter Raja Narpati Singh Raikwar, the legendary hero of India's first battle for independence. He highlighted the importance of the historical site and the legacy of Raja Narpati Singh's land and fort, which hold a special place in the nearby districts.
Yogi also extended his gratitude to Union Minister Rajnath Singh, who was the UP CM when the memorial was developed. He described the monument as a 'pilgrimage site of modern India' and said that the entire Hardoi district is being transformed to reflect the vision of a modern and developed India.
Talking about the country's achievements, he said that in the past 10 years, India has made remarkable progress and is now the fifth-largest economy in the world. "In the next few years, India will become the third-largest economy globally, just behind the US and China. This is a proud moment for every Indian and reflects the country's efforts in building world-class infrastructure like highways, airports, metros, and new opportunities for investment and security," he said.
He said that while past governments couldn't provide even basic needs like housing and toilets for decades, today, over 10 crore people in UP are benefiting from the Ayushman health card scheme.
Yogi said that India is moving steadily towards becoming the world's biggest power by 2047, fulfilling the vision of a Developed India set by PM Modi. He said that this dream was once cherished by freedom fighters who fought for a prosperous nation. "PM Modi has envisioned a self-reliant and developed India. No one can stop us from becoming the greatest strength in the world by 2047,” he said.
He paid tribute to freedom fighters like Pandit Ram Prasad Bismil, Chandra Shekhar Azad, Thakur Roshan Singh, and Ashfaqullah Khan, who made sacrifices for the nation's progress.
The CM also spoke about the double-engine government’s commitment to ensuring that development reaches the last person in society. "We are making sure that schemes related to housing, toilets, healthcare, and employment continue alongside broader development goals," he said.
He assured that every family living below the poverty line will have access to all basic amenities and opportunities for jobs or self-employment.
Marking the 75th year of the Indian Constitution, Yogi said that the entire country is celebrating it as a grand Amrit Mahotsav. He highlighted the significance of the Constitution created by Dr Ambedkar and emphasised unity across the nation.
He said, "From north to south, east to west, 140 crore Indians are working together for a stronger and more developed India."
Recalling the spirit of the 1857 First War of Independence, the CM mentioned the courage of revolutionaries like Mangal Pandey, Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Nana Rao Peshwa of Bithoor and Bandhu Singh of Gorakhpur. He noted how each of them bravely resisted British rule in their regions, adding, "Even the British could not defeat Bandhu Singh in Gorakhpur."
On his visit to Hardoi, he emphasised the district's growing development and connectivity. He highlighted that the medical college in Hardoi is now operational, and a nursing college is also coming up soon, boosting healthcare infrastructure and educational opportunities in the region.
During his visit, Yogi also participated in various welfare activities. He distributed assistive devices to differently-abled persons, interacted with them at the exhibition stalls, and even fed children during the Annaprashan ceremony, gifting them toys and applying ceremonial tilak in a warm gesture of welcome.
He was presented with a sword and a statue as a mark of respect for the bravery of the region's heroes. He also distributed gharauni ownership certificates, keys to new homes under the CM Awas Yojana, new ration cards, Ayushman Bharat health cards and tablets, and laptops to Anganwadi workers and girl students under the CM Bal Seva Yojana.
In addition, a cheque of Rs 15 crore was distributed under the Rural Livelihood Mission, and beneficiaries also received support under the Khadi and Village Industries Promotion Scheme and other incentive programmes.
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