Attacking the previous Samajwadi Party government, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said that Muzaffarnagar endured months of curfew when governance fell into the wrong hands, emphasising the importance of every vote in elections.

Speaking on the second day of the Prabuddha Sammelan held at Lala Jagdish Prasad Saraswati Vidya Mandir Inter College in Muzaffarnagar, the CM said: “However, when you gave power to the right people, Muzaffarnagar became known for its vibrant Kanwar Yatra.”

He further stated: “Previously, votes cast in favour of the wrong people, plunged Western UP into anarchy and lawlessness where everyone felt insecure. People were afraid of coming to the region. However, when you elected the right parties and people, lawlessness and chaos ended and faith was restored.”

The CM was seeking votes for Union Minister and BJP candidate Sanjeev Baliyan. Children presented Yogi with paintings on the occasion. The auditorium reverberated with chants of “Yogi-Yogi” as the CM emphasised the urgency of voting. Yogi urged citizens to exercise their democratic rights regardless of weather adversities and elect Prime Minister Modi for a third term.

Yogi said that in the past, extortion prevailed when governance faltered. The CM expressed, “As I hear the song ‘Holi Khela Raghuveera Awadh Mein…’, it reflects how the divine was invoked for festivities, yet His holy presence remained absent from our soil. Your single vote has broken the shackles of centuries, ushering in an era of respect and faith. A vote cast in the wrong direction perpetuated exploitation, whereas aligning with the right party paved the path for initiatives like PM SVANidhi, offering loans to street vendors.”

Notably, over 18 lakh street vendors in UP have benefited from this scheme. While the INDI alliance prioritises family interests, the NDA alliance, under the guidance of PM Modi, places the nation above everything else, the CM said.

The Chief Minister highlighted the long-standing aspirations of local representatives and residents for the restoration of Shuktirtha’s former glory. “In response to these dynamic calls, our administration is committed to revitalising Shuktirtha by establishing a dedicated Shuktirtha Development Council that aligns closely with the sentiments of the populace. This region boasts a rich heritage spanning thousands of years, serving as a beacon for followers of Sanatan Dharma worldwide who glean profound insights into life’s truths from the revered Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran. It is here, five millennia ago, that Shukdev Maharaj first imparted the Mahapuran, underscoring the profound historical significance of this land,” he said.

The INDI alliance overlooked Chaudhary Saheb until 2004-2014, the CM said. Lauding the awarding of Bharat Ratna to Chaudhary Charan Singh posthumously, he described him as the champion of farmers’ rights, asserting that this recognition was long overdue.

He reflected on the previous governments’ neglect of farmers’ interests, underscoring the failure of the INDI coalition to honour Chaudhary Saheb during their tenure from 2004 to 2014. Chaudhary Charan Singh, affectionately regarded as the embodiment of rural India, advocated that the path to national development traverses the fields and farms. The people of Uttar Pradesh take pride in Choudhary Saheb’s Bharat Ratna, acknowledging his efforts as the former Chief Minister to bridge communities with progress.

Yogi recounted the tense atmosphere prevailing in Muzaffarnagar before 2016-2017, narrating an incident when he came to attend Kapildev Aggrawal’s meeting. Determined to alleviate this tension, the CM advocated for a stress-free Muzaffarnagar and emphasised the community’s trust in Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, evidenced by their support in the 2014, 2017, 2019, and 2022 elections.

Highlighting the progress, the CM mentioned that the state’s premier sports university of global standards is being established in Sardhana, Muzaffarnagar. He envisioned aspiring athletes like Parul Chaudhary benefiting from this initiative, offering them a platform to excel.

Promising incentives for achievements, Yogi pledged direct job opportunities like Deputy SP for Muzaffarnagar’s daughters who secure medals in international events like the Commonwealth, Asiad, or Olympics. He shared an inspiring anecdote where a local athlete’s determination to succeed propelled her to victory despite facing tough competition, ultimately bringing pride to the nation.

Yogi emphasised the inseparable link between development and security, vowing unwavering attention to security matters. He warned potential wrongdoers, stressing that those who compromise the safety of citizens – whether women, businessmen, or farmers – will face serious repercussions.

Addressing long-standing demands, the government has allocated Rs 2,600 crore in the budget to provide free electricity to private tube well operators, alongside undertaking initiatives such as promoting solar panels. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the nation is witnessing the dawn of a new era. The failure of SP-BSP or Congress to address the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya contrasts with the recent seamless pilgrimage of over 1.5 crore devotees within two months”, Yogi remarked.

The conference was attended by notable figures, including BJP Lok Sabha candidate Sanjeev Balyan, state minister Anil Kumar, Kapil Dev Aggarwal, MLA Rajpal Balyan, and BJP regional president Satyendra Sisodia.