UP CM Adityanath: Residents no longer face identity crisis now

Uttar Pradesh’s image has undergone a drastic transformation in the last nine years, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Sunday, June 14, 2026, declaring that the state has emerged from its ‘BIMARU’ brand to become an engine of national economic growth.

Addressing a rally after inaugurating and laying foundation stones of 226 development projects worth over ₹926 crore in Gorakhpur, Mr. Adityanath said, “The people of Uttar Pradesh are now being greeted by ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and are gaining respect across the country.” “The Uttar Pradesh you live in today is no longer facing an identity crisis. People respect you now,” Mr. Adityanath said, adding that “today, 25 million people of Uttar Pradesh are moving forward with pride in their identity.” The state, while moving forward on the path of development, respects its faith, its traditions and ancestors, he said, adding that Uttar Pradesh has overcome its earlier image of a backward state.

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“Earlier, Uttar Pradesh was counted among the ‘BIMARU’ states. Today, it has moved away from this status and has emerged as the growth engine of the country’s economy. It has proved its strength and potential to the entire nation,” he said.

Crediting infrastructure development for the transformation of the state, he said the state now boasts of the best highway network in the country, a fast-growing rail system, air connectivity, metro projects and improved inter-state connectivity.

“New power plants are coming up, industries are being set up and modern technology is being effectively introduced in Uttar Pradesh,” he said, adding that “this is the new Uttar Pradesh of new India.” Without naming the previous governments, Mr. Adityanath said that the state was constantly progressing while preserving its cultural and spiritual heritage.

Speaking specifically about Gorakhpur, Mr. Adityanath said the city has witnessed a significant change in law, order and development over the years.

“There was a time when Gorakhpur lacked basic amenities. People feared the very name of Gorakhpur as if it was synonymous with ‘atank’ (terror). Daughters were afraid to step out of their homes in the evening,” he said.

The Chief Minister also launched the second phase of the State Nutrition Mission and emphasized the importance of maternal and child health, especially during the first 1000 days of a child’s life.

“We need to understand that if childhood is safe, future will be secured. If childhood is strong, future will be strong. To strengthen childhood, malnutrition in pregnant women must be addressed,” he said.

“When the mother is healthy, the child will be healthy. The first 1,000 days of a child’s life play a vital role in laying the foundation for its future,” added Mr. Adityanath.

According to him, proper care during this period strengthens not only the family, but also society and the nation.

“The child does not belong only to the family. It represents the future of the society and the entire nation. That is why we must ensure proper arrangements for the upbringing of the child during those first 1,000 days,” he said.

Published – 16 Jun 2026 09:37 IST