Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath Invokes Ghalib in Fiery Assembly Retort Against Opposition
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath delivered a sharp counterattack against the Samajwadi Party in the state assembly on Thursday, skillfully quoting the renowned Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib to underscore his political critique. During his response to the debate on the Governor's address, the CM asserted that Uttar Pradesh's historical reputation for fear and disorder did not develop suddenly but was instead a consequence of previous political administrations.
CM Accuses Opposition of Damaging State's Image and House Sentiments
Adityanath directly blamed earlier political cultures for creating an environment that "frightened daughters and forced traders to shut shop." He emphasized that remnants of this past conduct remain visible during current assembly proceedings, including during division votes. The CM declared that no resident of Uttar Pradesh would accept such behavior under any circumstances, specifically accusing the Samajwadi Party of repeatedly harming the dignity of the House through their actions.
While acknowledging that the opposition leader's remarks sounded practical, Adityanath suggested their hands appeared "tied," prompting him to address their points systematically. It was in this context that he invoked Mirza Ghalib's poignant verse: "Ghalib umar bhar yahi bhool karta raha ... dhool chehre pe thi aur main aaina saaf karta raha." This translates to "Kept wiping the mirror while dust remained on the face," with the CM implying that attempts to shift blame cannot erase documented governance failures from the past.
Defending Assembly Functioning and Highlighting Development Achievements
Adityanath vigorously defended the operational efficiency of the legislative assembly under his administration, noting that disruptions have been minimal over the past nine years. He highlighted that members have generally shown engagement, effectively presented their viewpoints, and received responses from ministers. The CM stated that issues spanning development, security, and welfare have been addressed comprehensively without discrimination.
Citing statistics from the Governor's address, Adityanath revealed that sustained efforts by what he termed the "double-engine government" have elevated more than six crore people above the multidimensional poverty line during the last eight years. These figures, based on assessments by NITI Aayog, demonstrate the tangible impact of development-oriented policies and welfare schemes implemented by his administration.
Commitment to Continued Welfare and Focus on Self-Reliance
The Chief Minister provided firm assurances that welfare benefits would not be discontinued. He confirmed that ration facilities, health services, and all other government support mechanisms will continue unchanged. Adityanath explained that the current focus has shifted toward enabling self-reliance and fostering long-term prosperity rather than maintaining mere dependence on state assistance.
This assembly session showcased not only political confrontation but also the strategic use of literary reference to reinforce governance arguments, marking a significant moment in Uttar Pradesh's ongoing political discourse.
