In a significant political address that set the tone for upcoming electoral battles, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday called upon the people of Uttar Pradesh to transcend caste-based politics and decisively reject opposition parties he labeled as "nepotism-driven." Speaking at the Rashtra Prerna Sthal on the occasion of Uttar Pradesh Foundation Day in Lucknow, Shah's speech served as an early bugle for the 2027 state assembly elections, urging voters to replicate the Bharatiya Janata Party's previous electoral successes.
Appeal for Overwhelming Mandate
The senior BJP leader made a direct appeal to the electorate, stating, "The coming year is an election year, and today I have come to appeal to the people of Uttar Pradesh to ensure a resounding victory with an overwhelming majority for the Bharatiya Janata Party for the development of the state, for the future of the youth and for the security of the nation." He specifically targeted the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and Bahujan Samaj Party, describing them as "family-driven" entities that could never work in the genuine interest of Uttar Pradesh's development.
Contrasting Governance Records
Shah drew sharp contrasts between previous administrations and the current BJP government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He accused earlier Congress and Samajwadi Party governments of pushing Uttar Pradesh into the notorious 'BIMARU' category of underdeveloped states, while praising the current administration for transforming it into what he called a "breakthrough state." The Home Minister highlighted several achievements:
- Effective implementation of all central welfare schemes at grassroots level
- Significant improvement in law and order situation
- Substantial reduction in corruption across governance systems
- Construction of the long-awaited Ram Temple in Ayodhya
- Provision of houses to 62 lakh poor families
- Pension distribution to over 1 crore poor, elderly, and destitute citizens
Economic Transformation and Development
The Union Minister presented compelling data about Uttar Pradesh's economic resurgence under BJP rule. "There was a time when UP was known as a 'labour source' state. Today, it is the 4th-largest state economy in the country," Shah declared. He elaborated on several key economic indicators and initiatives:
Industrial Growth and Investment
Shah emphasized Uttar Pradesh's emergence as a competitive hub for electronic goods manufacturing, noting that "before 2017, no one could have imagined UP becoming a hub for semiconductor production or data centres." He revealed that of the proposed Rs 45 lakh crore investment in the state, projects worth Rs 15 lakh crore were already grounded. The Home Minister credited both the Modi government at the Centre and the Yogi Adityanath government in the state for placing Uttar Pradesh firmly on a growth trajectory through:
- Construction of modern expressways
- Development of industrial corridors
- Establishment of defence corridors
- Implementation of the Sardar Patel Industrial Area scheme
Agricultural Progress
The Home Minister shared impressive agricultural statistics, noting that Uttar Pradesh's agricultural growth rate has been approximately 17% over the last three years. He highlighted that the state contributes nearly 20% to India's total food-grain production, underscoring its crucial role in national food security.
Cultural and Social Initiatives
Beyond economic development, Shah highlighted several cultural and social achievements. He mentioned the successful organization of the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj in 2025, stating that it helped spread Sanatan Dharma across the world. The transformation of a garbage dumping yard into the 65-acre Rashtra Prerna Sthal was particularly emphasized, with Shah describing it as turning "kooda into kanchan (junk into gold)" that has become an inspirational site for the entire state.
Youth and Employment Focus
Addressing employment concerns, Shah detailed how youth have benefited from interest-free and collateral-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh, with financial assistance amounting to Rs 5,322 crore distributed so far. He also praised the 'One District One Product' scheme for emerging as a major source of livelihood for youth and women while helping promote Uttar Pradesh's traditional cuisine and products globally.
Vision for Future Development
Looking ahead, Shah articulated an ambitious vision for Uttar Pradesh's future. "When India celebrates 100 years of Independence in 2047, UP will be a fully developed state," he asserted. Describing Uttar Pradesh as the heartbeat and soul of India, Shah predicted that the country's most populous state would emerge as the growth engine of the national economy in coming years.
The Home Minister outlined concrete plans for industrial expansion, revealing that in the first phase, foundation stones for six zones under the Sardar Patel Industrial Area scheme have been laid for 2025–26, with their dedication scheduled for 2026–27. Subsequently, foundation stones for 30 zones and 39 zones would be laid over the next two years, playing a key role in making Uttar Pradesh a USD 1 trillion economy.
Security and National Role
Shah also highlighted improvements in law and order and connectivity, noting that Uttar Pradesh has historically played a crucial role in ensuring national security. He positioned the state's development as integral to national progress, stating that while the Modi government pledged to build a Viksit Bharat, the Uttar Pradesh government resolved to create a Viksit Uttar Pradesh.
The comprehensive address covered multiple dimensions of governance, from economic development and industrial growth to social welfare and cultural preservation, presenting a holistic case for continued BJP leadership in India's most politically significant state.
