UP has transformed from ‘upadrav’ to ‘utsav’: CM Yogi

Gorakhpur: Reiterating his govt's zero-tolerance policy on crime, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that Uttar Pradesh has transformed from "upadrav" (unrest) to "utsav" (celebration)."Mafia and goons will not be allowed to flourish in UP again. Those who indulge in such activities will be dealt with strictly," he asserted, adding that the days of riots, curfews, lawlessness and loot in the state are over.The CM inaugurated a multi-level parking-cum-commercial complex at Bandhu Singh Park and the beautification of the historic Ghantaghar area, besides laying the foundation of a new commercial complex at Pandeyhata under the heritage corridor project in Gorakhpur.Highlighting improvements since 2017, he said that while the administrative machinery remains the same, its "identity has changed." "Earlier, the mafia ran parallel govts in districts. Today, UP is known for safety and development, and its youth are respected across the country," he said.The CM said a safe environment has boosted confidence among traders and women, enabling them to pursue self-reliance. Stressing governance intent, the CM noted that "when intentions are right, change follows quickly," citing projects like the heritage corridor and the parking complex as examples.Striking a sharp note on law and order and national identity, the CM said those opposing national symbols will not be tolerated. "There are people who eat from India but refuse to sing for it. New India will not accept this," he said.He added that while govt welfare schemes are being delivered without discrimination, citizens must respect national symbols, including the national song, national anthem, the national flag, and the Constitution framed by BR Ambedkar.The CM also highlighted Gorakhpur's rapid urban transformation under the Smart City vision, stating that improved infrastructure, including the new parking facility, will ease congestion and boost trade. He added that displaced traders from the corridor project are being rehabilitated in the new complexes.The CM further announced approval for a 20 MW floating solar power plant at Chilua Tal, which will support solar lighting and move the city towards becoming a "solar city."He also underlined that no new taxes have been imposed in the past nine years, even as the state's economy has tripled, and directed civic authorities to ensure reasonable rents in the new commercial complexes.Earlier, Yogi performed rituals while laying the foundation stone of the Pandeyhata commercial complex and participated in a collective rendition of Vande Mataram after inaugurating the Ghantaghar beautification project, a site associated with India's freedom struggle.