March 19, 2017, marked a turning point in the history of Uttar Pradesh as Yogi Adityanath took oath as the Chief Minister for the first time. Prior to 2017, Uttar Pradesh was known more for lawlessness, and poor infrastructure and was considered as part of the BIMARU states. However, after Yogi Adityanath ji took over the reins of the state as the Chief Minister, there was a complete transformation as now UP has become the hub of investment, witnessed unprecedented infrastructure development, and is known for its improved law and order situation.
According to the report, UP has witnessed unprecedented growth and governance reforms, making it Bharat’s second-largest economy, contributing 9.2 per cent to the national GDP.
One of the first decisions Yogi Adityanath took upon assuming office was rejecting the proposal for luxury cars for his fleet— a stark contrast to his predecessors. While Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav sanctioned crores for their luxury vehicles, Yogi opted to use the existing five-year-old vehicle. His approach to governance symbolises renunciation and dedication to service, as reflected in his demand for just a saffron seat cover rather than a new car.
Earlier, while addressing a public gathering, CM Yogi emphasised, “Civic duty is of utmost importance to make Bharat a developed nation by 2047. In developed Bharat, every farmer’s field will have crops, women’s future will be bright, and youth will get employment opportunities. The most important thing in developed Bharat is ‘Nation First.’”
In contrast, Akhilesh Yadav’s tenure was marked by extravagant spending and self-serving policies. His attempt to pass the lifetime housing law for ex-Chief Ministers, which would have allowed him to retain lavish government accommodations indefinitely, was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2018. When forced to vacate his residence, he left it in a state of disrepair, symbolising the careless governance of his tenure.
Crushing the Criminal Empire: The End of Mafia Rule
Before 2017, UP was synonymous with lawlessness. Organised crime syndicates, political-criminal nexuses, and unchecked corruption had made the state a nightmare for investors and ordinary citizens alike. However, the Yogi government adopted a zero-tolerance approach to crime, implementing stringent measures that have drastically improved law and order.
- Encounters & Strong Policing: Over 10,000 criminals surrendered out of fear of the state’s strict policies, while many were arrested or neutralised in police encounters.
- Seizure of Mafia Property: The government confiscated and bulldozed illegal properties worth more than Rs 20,000 crore, stripping mafia leaders of their financial stronghold.
- Women’s Safety Initiatives: The launch of Anti-Romeo Squads and Mission Shakti has significantly reduced crimes against women, restoring a sense of security across cities and villages.
- Crackdown on Political Gangsters: Notorious criminals like Mukhtar Ansari, Atiq Ahmed, and Azam Khan faced severe legal action, marking the end of the political-criminal nexus that had plagued the state for decades.
UP’s Rise in National Crime Rankings: UP, once regarded as a lawless state, is now among Bharat’s top-ranked states for law and order as per NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau) reports.
With extortion rackets and organised crime networks dismantled, Uttar Pradesh has become an investor-friendly destination where businesses can thrive without fear.
Overhauling the Police Force: Merit Over Caste
Prior to 2017, Uttar Pradesh’s police force was plagued by nepotism, favoritism, and recruitment scams.
Yogi Adityanath addressed this systemic corruption by implementing a transparent recruitment process. His administration successfully recruited and deployed 1.37 lakh police personnel, ensuring that the force functioned at full capacity. This meritocratic approach led to significant improvements in law and order, with a sharp decline in crime rates:
- 70.1 per cent reduction in dacoity cases
- 69.3 per cent reduction in loot cases
- 29.1 per cent reduction in murder cases
- 52 per cent reduction in rape cases
- 41 per cent reduction in kidnapping cases
- 11.6 per cent reduction in dowry deaths
Infrastructure Boom: Making UP a Growth Engine
Under Akhilesh Yadav and non-BJP governments, Uttar Pradesh was considered a BIMARU (lagging) state with slow industrial growth, frequent power cuts, and poor infrastructure. Yogi Adityanath changed this perception by focusing on investment and infrastructure. Today, UP is Bharat’s second-largest economy, attracting global investments worth thousands of crores. Expressways, airports, and industrial hubs are transforming the state into an economic powerhouse.
Akhilesh’s administration was riddled with corruption, from dubious contracts to stalled projects. The Agra-Lucknow Expressway was marred by allegations of inflated costs and poor quality. In contrast, Yogi’s administration has built the Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, and Ganga Expressways with efficiency and transparency.
Under Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as an infrastructure powerhouse. UP, once struggling with economic stagnation, has now positioned itself as one of Bharat’s fastest-growing states with record investments and infrastructural developments.
Expressway Revolution:
- Purvanchal Expressway (340 km) – Connecting eastern UP to development corridors.
- Bundelkhand Expressway (296 km) – Transforming a historically backward region.
- Ganga Expressway (594 km, under construction) – Set to be Bharat’s longest expressway.
- Metro Expansion: Rapid urban transport development in cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, and Meerut.
- New Airports: Operational and upcoming airports in Ayodhya, Jewar, Kushinagar, and more, boosting connectivity and tourism. The state has also witnessed a surge in metro rail projects, airport expansion, and improved road networks, making Uttar Pradesh a prime destination for investors and businesses.
UP’s Global Investor Summit 2023 saw a record-breaking Rs 36 lakh crore in investment commitments, making the state a preferred destination for industries. Companies like Samsung, Tata, Adani, and Microsoft have set up operations, thanks to improved ease of doing business.
Tourism Boom: Reviving Spiritual Destinations
Under Yogi Adityanath, UP has taken significant steps to preserve and promote its cultural and religious heritage.Ayodhya, Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, and Mathura-Vrindavan have turned into global religious tourism hubs, attracting millions of visitors and driving economic growth.
Economic Growth and Investment: A business-friendly UP
The Yogi government launched the ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP) initiative, which helped revive local industries and promote indigenous products. To attract investors, the government hosted the UP Investors Summit, drawing major industrial players to the state. The result: Uttar Pradesh has seen a significant increase in foreign and domestic investments, leading to job creation and economic stability. CM Yogi’s administration also focused on supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), rolling out favorable policies and financial assistance to boost entrepreneurship.
Social Welfare
The Yogi government prioritised social welfare initiatives, ensuring that benefits reached every section of society. Some of the flagship programs include:
- Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana: Financial aid for girl children
- Ujjwala Yojana: Free LPG connections for women
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: Over 56 lakh homes for the poor
- Samajwadi Pension Yojana: Financial assistance for the underprivileged
- Zero Poverty Campaign: Focused on empowering marginalised communities like Vantangnia and Musahar families
- 24×7 Power Supply: Uninterrupted electricity in villages and cities.
- Har Ghar Jal Scheme: Clean drinking water for every household.
- Employment & Skill Development: Over 5 lakh government jobs and the One District One Product (ODOP) Scheme, boosting MSMEs and employment.
Farmers’ Welfare
- Rs 36,000 crore loan waivers to farmers.
- PM Kisan Samman Nidhi direct benefit transfer, supporting over 2 crore farmers.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Uttar Pradesh led the country in vaccinations and ramped up healthcare infrastructure. Hospitals were upgraded, oxygen plants were set up, and essential supplies were distributed effectively, saving millions of lives.
Empowering Youth: Job Creation and Education Reforms
The Yogi government implemented reforms in employment and education, ensuring opportunities for the youth. Notable achievements include:
- 60,000+ recruitments in the UP Police
- Interest-free loans under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyam Yojana to support startups and entrepreneurship
- Expansion of technical education institutions and vocational training programs
In September 2024, on the eve of Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya’s birth anniversary, CM Yogi unveiled his statue in Barabanki, reaffirming the government’s commitment to Upadhyaya’s vision of ‘Antyodaya’—uplifting the last person in society. He asserted that by following Upadhyaya’s ideology, the government had successfully ensured that welfare schemes reached every section of society without discrimination.
“Deendayal Upadhyaya’s concept of ‘Antyodaya’ was solely focused on the upliftment of the underprivileged. The NDA government has worked to fulfill his vision through initiatives like free ration for 80 crore people, the construction of 12 crore toilets, and health insurance under Ayushman Bharat for economically weaker sections,” Yogi stated.
Financial Security for Youths: 10 lakh beneficiaries under CM Yuva Udyam Yojana
Outlining his plan for financial security among youths, Yogi announced that 10 lakh people would benefit from the CM Yuva Udyam Yojana. “Under this scheme, the government will bear the interest on loans of up to Rs 5 lakh for aspiring entrepreneurs, enabling them to generate employment for thousands of others,” he said.
At an event in Vijay Park, Yogi inaugurated an exhibition at the Government Inter College, highlighting Upadhyaya’s life and contributions. He underscored that Upadhyaya’s ideas remained relevant in Bharat’s socio-economic and political landscape.
Barabanki to Become an Investment and Industrial Hub
Pointing to Barabanki’s strategic location near Lucknow and Ayodhya, Yogi declared that the district had been included in the State Capital Region, paving the way for major investments and job creation. He further announced plans for an industrial corridor near Ramsanehi Ghat, which is expected to generate employment for thousands of youth.
The CM revealed that the government was planning to construct a grand corridor for the Lodheshwar Nath Mahadev Temple, similar to the Kashi Vishwanath Dham and Ayodhya Dham projects. Additionally, he announced the development of a grand memorial to honor legendary hockey player KD Singh Babu, following the acquisition of his ancestral ‘kothi’ (bungalow) by the state government.
Income Tax Reform
Since 1981, Uttar Pradesh’s state exchequer had been paying the income tax of all ministers, a perk initiated during VP Singh’s tenure as Chief Minister. Despite amassing vast personal wealth—Mayawati with Rs 111 crore and Akhilesh Yadav with Rs 37 crore in assets—neither leader sought to end this privilege. However, Yogi Adityanath put an end to this practice, ensuring that ministers pay their own taxes, aligning them with the common citizens they serve.
Successful Conduction of Mahakumbh 2025
Under the leadership of CM Yogi Adityanath, the Mahkumbh 2025 which emerged as an unprecedented success, setting new benchmarks in organisation, infrastructure, security, and global participation. Spanning from January 13 to February 26, the world’s largest religious gathering saw over 66 crore devotees, far exceeding initial estimates of 45 crore, reaffirming its status as a colossal spiritual and cultural spectacle.
The Mahakumbh Mela, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage held every 12 years, rotates between Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. The 2025 edition in Prayagraj was historic, coinciding with the Mahakumbh that occurs once every 144 years. Rooted in Hindu mythology, the event commemorates the celestial battle over Amrit (nectar of immortality), with four drops said to have fallen at these holy sites.
Recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, the Mahakumbh fosters unity, spiritual awakening, and cultural exchange, drawing saints, ascetics, scholars, and devotees from across the world. The event’s grandeur was marked by Shahi Snans (royal bathing rituals), religious discourses, and elaborate processions by various Akharas, reinforcing its spiritual significance.
Unparalleled Infrastructure and Management
CM Yogi’s meticulous planning transformed Prayagraj into a state-of-the-art spiritual city, ensuring seamless crowd management, security, and public amenities.
Temporary City Setup
Mahakumbh Nagar, a vast makeshift city, housed thousands of tents and shelters, including luxury accommodations under IRCTC’s “Mahakumbh Gram.”
Roads, pathways, and bridges were revamped to facilitate smooth movement of pilgrims.
Roads and Bridges
- 92 roads were renovated, while 17 major roads underwent beautification.
- 30 pontoon bridges, constructed using 3,308 pontoons, ensured easy access to the sacred bathing ghats.
- 800 multi-language signages in Hindi, English, and regional languages helped visitors navigate the massive fairground.
Public Utilities
Over 2,69,000 checkered plates were laid for pathways.
Mobile toilets and a robust waste management system ensured sanitation and hygiene.
A dedicated team worked 24×7 to maintain cleanliness, aligning with Yogi’s Swachh Bharat commitment.
Medical and Healthcare Services: A Massive Undertaking
The Uttar Pradesh government implemented an extensive healthcare network, ensuring every devotee had access to immediate medical attention.
- Over 2,000 medical personnel were deployed across the fairground.
- 23 allopathic hospitals treated over 4.5 lakh patients.
- 3.71 lakh pathology tests were conducted.
- 3,800 minor and 12 major surgeries were successfully performed.
AIIMS Delhi, IMS BHU, and international experts from Canada, Germany, and Russia contributed to world class healthcare services.
Integration of AYUSH and Traditional Medicine
The Mahakumbh 2025 witnessed an overwhelming response to AYUSH-based medical services, emphasising holistic wellness through Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and Naturopathy.
- Over 1.21 lakh devotees availed AYUSH services.
- 80 doctors manned 20 AYUSH OPDs, providing 24×7 consultations.
- Yoga therapy sessions were held daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM, led by experts from the Morarji Desai
National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi. - Over 2.18 lakh people received treatments in AYUSH hospitals, reinforcing the global trust in Bharatiya traditional medicine.
- Panchakarma, yoga therapy, and other holistic treatments were widely embraced by pilgrims, enhancing their overall spiritual and physical well-being.
Robust Security and Law Enforcement
Given the scale of the event, security was a top priority. CM Yogi ensured a foolproof security system: Deployment of over 20,000 police personnel, paramilitary forces, and intelligence units.
Advanced AI-based surveillance and drone monitoring across key locations.
Special anti-terror squads stationed at strategic points to prevent any untoward incidents. A centralised control room for real-time monitoring, ensuring rapid response to emergencies.
Global Recognition and Economic Impact
The Mahakumbh 2025 not only reaffirmed Bharat’s spiritual grandeur but also provided a significant boost to the economy. The event generated employment for thousands in tourism, transport, hospitality, and local handicrafts.
- Hotels and dharamshalas reported full occupancy, benefiting local businesses.
- Artisans and vendors witnessed record sales, highlighting the economic impact of the festival.
- International media extensively covered the event, solidifying Bharat’s position as a global spiritual hub.
Once infamous for its rampant crime, mafia rule, and sluggish development, Uttar Pradesh has undergone a radical transformation under CM Yogi’s leadership. Since taking office in 2017, Yogi has spearheaded reforms that have not only strengthened law and order but also positioned UP as an economic powerhouse, a tourism hub, and a model for governance and cultural revival.
With an emphasis on law and order, industrialisation, and cultural revival, the state is set to play a pivotal role in Bharat’s journey toward becoming a $5 trillion economy.
His administration’s commitment to transparency, meritocracy, and development has positioned Uttar Pradesh as a model of governance. With an ambitious roadmap for the future, including AI-driven policing, smart cities, and expanded global trade partnerships, the state aims to solidify its place as Bharat’s economic and cultural heartland.
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