UP’s image transformed; residents now no longer face identity crisis: Adityanath

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in his statement on Sunday, June 14, 2026, stated that the image of Uttar Pradesh has undergone a serious transformation in the last nine years and claimed that the state has moved out of the “BIMARU” tag and become the growth engine of the national economy.

Addressing a meeting after the inauguration and foundation stone laying of 226 development projects worth more than ₹926 crore in Gorakhpur, Mr. Adityanath said, “Instead of the earlier perception marked by suspicion and identity crisis, residents of Uttar Pradesh are now greeted with ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and respected across the country.” he said. “Today, Uttar Pradesh, where you live, is no longer facing an identity crisis. People now respect you,” Mr. Adityanath said, adding: “Today, 25 crore people of Uttar Pradesh are walking forward with pride in their identity.” The state respects its faith, traditions and ancestors as it progresses towards development, he said, adding that Uttar Pradesh has overcome its earlier image as a backward state.

“Earlier, Uttar Pradesh was counted among the ‘BIMARU’ states. Today, it has moved away from this situation and emerged as the growth engine of the country’s economy. It has demonstrated its power and potential to the entire nation.” he said.

Crediting the development of infrastructure for the state’s transformation, he said the state now has the country’s best highway network, rapidly expanding railway system, air connectivity, metro projects and improved interstate connectivity.

“New power plants are being set up, industries are being set up and modern technology is being implemented effectively in Uttar Pradesh,” he said, adding, “This is the new Uttar Pradesh of new India.” Without naming previous governments, Mr. Adityanath said the state has been making steady progress while preserving its cultural and spiritual heritage.

Speaking specifically about Gorakhpur, Mr. Adityanath said that the city has witnessed a significant change in law, order and development over the years.

“There was a time when Gorakhpur lacked basic amenities. People were afraid of the name of Gorakhpur as if it was synonymous with ‘atank’ (terrorism). Their daughters were afraid to step out of their homes in the evenings,” he said.

The Prime Minister also launched the second phase of the State Nutrition Mission and emphasized the importance of maternal and child health, especially during the first 1000 days of a child’s life.

“We must understand that if childhood is safe, the future will be safe. If childhood is strong, the future will be strong. To strengthen childhood, the problem of malnutrition among pregnant women needs to be addressed,” he said.

“When the mother is healthy, the child will also be healthy. The first 1000 days of a child’s life play a very important role in laying the foundations of his future,” Mr. Adityanath added.

He said that proper care during this period strengthens not only the family but also the society and the nation.

“This child does not belong to just one family. He represents the future of the society and the entire nation. Therefore, we must make appropriate arrangements for the child’s upbringing during the first 1,000 days,” he said.