Govt transformed state with infra and investments: Yogi

Lucknow: Calling himself "Suryaputra", chief minister Yogi Adityanath told the Indian diaspora in Tokyo on Wednesday that the previous govts liked to function in the dark, since activities like robbery were committed in the dark."That is why they did not bother providing electricity supply to the state," he said.Addressing the Indian diaspora on the first day of his three-day visit to Japan, Yogi said if UP was to be freed from fear and corruption, then it had to be provided with light."We are ‘Suryaputra', we need the brightness of the sun to work. People complained that earlier there was no electricity in UP, and that is because previous govts were accustomed to staying in darkness, because all their work happened in darkness," he said.Talking about the state's journey from darkness to light, the CM highlighted the state's transformation in law and order, infrastructure, cultural renaissance and new investment opportunities. "UP moved beyond riots and curfews to be known for ‘Deepotsav', ‘Maha Kumbh' and global investment. It was this transformation which propelled India towards becoming a developed nation," he said.He remarked that UP was known as a state of festivals, adding that Deepotsav in Ayodhya, Dev Deepawali in Kashi, and Rangotsav in Mathura-Vrindavan were symbols of positive change."We improved law and order, connectivity, and electricity supply. Today, investments are being made in semiconductors, data centres, artificial intelligence, green hydrogen, logistics parks and international airports, which could not be imagined earlier," he said.Extending Holi greetings to the people, Yogi said that the organisation of Maha Kumbh and the construction of grand Ram temple in Ayodhya were examples of India's capability.He called the redevelopment of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham "a beautiful confluence of modernity and tradition", and added that India's strength was to lead the world on the path of friendship and compassion, not to establish dominance over anyone."Wherever people of Indian origin across the world are in crisis, India stands with them. We should also contribute to the welfare of our country and the world. Today, about 55,000 Indians live in Japan. All of you should unite and contribute to the development of both Japan and India. Our direction is right; we need to increase our pace. Your positive cooperation is expected," he said.