SP, Congress glorified invaders instead of Indian heroes, created identity crisis: UP CM Yogi Adityanath

Ghazipur: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday accused the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress of creating an "identity crisis" by glorifying foreign invaders instead of honouring Indian heroes.

Adityanath, addressing a programme in Ghazipur, asserted that the BJP-led NDA government has restored the district's pride through development and recognition of historical figures.

The programme was held after the chief minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of 268 development projects worth Rs 692 crore and distributed sanction letters and certificates to beneficiaries of various welfare schemes.


Also Read: It will happen when it has to happen: Minister Bhujbal on NCP factions' merger buzz

Adityanath said, "Those who created this identity crisis are the same people who, instead of honouring India's national heroes, glorified foreign invaders."

The BJP government has honoured Maharaja Suheldev, alleging that the SP and the Congress never allowed programmes in his memory and instead promoted fairs associated with Salar Masud, he said.

Adityanath said the BJP government has installed a grand statue of Maharaja Suheldev at Chittaura in Bahraich, built a medical college in his name, established a university named after him in Azamgarh, launched the Suheldev Superfast Express between Ghazipur and Anand Vihar, besides issuing a commemorative postage stamp in his name.

Also Read: 'Rot in India's education system deep; Pradhan's resignation only beginning': Congress

"A country and a society that honour their national heroes move forward. Those who insult their national heroes and honour invaders have no future," he said.

Targeting the previous SP government, Adityanath alleged it had changed the names of institutions named after Maharaja Suheldev, Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar and Sant Ravidas, saying such decisions reflected disrespect towards great personalities.

The chief minister also claimed Uttar Pradesh has undergone a transformation under the BJP government.

"Today Uttar Pradesh has changed... there is no identity crisis anymore," he said, adding that people from Uttar Pradesh now command respect across the country.

He accused the previous SP government of corruption in the Purvanchal Expressway project, alleging that "not an inch of work was done, but Rs 3,000 crore was siphoned off."

He said the BJP government reviewed the project, carried out fresh land acquisition and realignment before completing the expressway.

Adityanath also alleged that recruitment during the previous regime was marred by irregularities and that law and order had deteriorated due to frequent riots and curfews.

"Now there is no curfew, no riots in Uttar Pradesh. Everything is fine in Uttar Pradesh," he said, adding that those attempting to disrupt festivals, threaten the safety of women and traders or interfere with recruitment processes would face strict action.

Highlighting Ghazipur's legacy, the chief minister said the district had a long tradition of patriotism and military service.

He said Ghazipur had produced heroes such as Param Vir Chakra awardee Abdul Hamid and other soldiers who displayed exceptional bravery in India's wars, while also making significant contributions to literature through writers.

Adityanath said the region has historically symbolised resistance against evil and aggression, claiming Ghazipur had always stood at the forefront of struggles to protect the nation and its cultural heritage.

The chief minister also highlighted improvement in infrastructure, saying Ghazipur was now connected through four-lane roads and the Purvanchal Expressway, reducing travel time to Lucknow to around three-and-a-half hours.

He said the state government planned to further extend connectivity by linking the expressway towards Chandauli and beyond.