Barabanki: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 82 development projects worth ₹542 crore in Barabanki on Monday. He reiterated his resolve to revive the state’s cultural glory and sharply criticized the opposition, saying that previous governments’ appeasement policies had led to gross neglect of Sanatan culture and religious heritage.
The Chief Minister, identifying Barabanki with historical symbols like Lord Lodheshwar Mahadev, the Parijat tree, and KD Singh Babu, said that these heritage sites had been neglected for a long time. He announced the construction of a grand corridor to the Lodheshwar Mahadev Temple, saying this would not only provide convenience to devotees but also promote religious tourism. He also stated that the preservation of KD Singh Babu’s mansion and the protection of the Parijat tree were his priorities.
Yogi Adityanath launched a scathing attack on the Congress and Samajwadi Party, saying that under previous governments, development funds were spent on boundary walls of graveyards rather than religious sites. He alleged that secularism previously meant banning Hindu festivals like the Kanwar Yatra, Ram Navami, and Janmashtami. The Chief Minister clarified that his government has changed this mindset and created an environment where all festivals are celebrated with respect.
The Chief Minister said that India’s bright future rests on the strong foundation of Sanatan Dharma, and that if it is secure, the country is safe. Recalling great men like Raja Suheldev, Maharana Pratap, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, he said that it is the government’s responsibility to preserve their legacy. Speaking on law and order, he said that the state is now becoming crime-free, and with the production of the BrahMos missile in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh is strengthening the country’s military power, which has even enemy nations on alert.
