Firozabad: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday launched a broadside against the Samajwadi Party, blaming it for what he described as stalled development in Uttar Pradesh before 2017 and in pockets that continue to elect non-BJP legislators.Addressing a gathering in Firozabad while inaugurating and laying foundation stones for 81 projects worth Rs 658 crore, he alleged the SP had fostered social division, disturbed festivals and harmony, encouraged hooliganism and mafia activity, and impeded welfare schemes aimed at the poor.The chief minister singled out Shikohabad’s SP MLA Mukesh Verma, saying the number of projects unveiled in the district would have been higher had he worked with the same dedication as other public representatives.Listing what he called key achievements of the BJP govt, Yogi said the administration was promoting local arts, crafts and cuisines in every district, while earlier govts had allowed criminal networks to flourish through land grabbing and extortion. He repeated the slogan “No Curfew-No Danga, UP Mein Sab Changa,” asserting that law and order had improved under the BJP.He also accused the SP of opposing or restricting religious events such as Ram Navami, the Kanwar Yatra and Shri Krishna Janmashtami, and alleged that earlier regimes failed to provide basic amenities and benefits to the poor, including housing, Ayushman Bharat health cover, LPG connections and toilets. He claimed power supply had been inadequate and attacked the SP and Congress, saying they “thrived in darkness.”Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Yogi said the pace of development in Uttar Pradesh reflected the public’s choice of a “responsible govt.”He highlighted the district’s glass industry, describing Firozabad as an emerging centre of innovation and saying local products were now competing strongly, including against imports from China during festival seasons. He credited modern technology and new designs adopted by artisans, adding that the talent existed earlier but lacked encouragement and platforms before 2017. He referred to the One District One Product initiative, saying it was a matter of pride when ODOP gifts were presented to foreign dignitaries.The chief minister praised BJP MLA Manish Asija, recalling concerns raised years ago about actions by the Pollution Control Board affecting the glass industry. He said the govt curtailed unnecessary raids, facilitated technology upgrades, ensured gas supply, and enabled entrepreneurs to operate furnaces with electricity and integrate solar power.Yogi later visited an exhibition at the venue, interacted with children at a Basic Education department stall and with personnel at a UP Police stall, and felicitated beneficiaries of govt welfare schemes.
