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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's recent address has ignited a firestorm of debate, focusing sharply on the perceived hypocrisy of the opposition parties regarding the recent unrest in West Bengal and the broader narrative surrounding national identity and development. His critique centered on what he deemed the opposition's 'double standards' in their response to the violence in West Bengal, particularly concerning the Waqf law. Adityanath argued that their silence exposes a deep-seated inconsistency, revealing their priorities and potentially undermining their credibility in the eyes of the public. He framed this silence as a stark contrast to their vocal stances on other issues, suggesting a selective outrage that serves their political agenda. He accused them of building political empires based on corrupt practices, appealing to caste divides, wielding mafia influence, and perpetuating dynastic politics. This accusation is not simply a casual indictment, but a direct challenge to the very foundations upon which these opposition parties have built their support base. It paints a picture of a political landscape where self-serving interests and historical grievances are prioritized over the well-being of the nation and the principles of justice and equality. He further drew a parallel between the current situation in Murshidabad, West Bengal, and the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh before his government assumed power in 2017. He cited cities like Muzaffarnagar, Bareilly, and Lucknow as examples of areas frequently plagued by riots, implying that the opposition's policies and governance failures contributed to this instability. This comparison serves to highlight the perceived improvement in law and order under his administration, positioning him as a strong leader capable of restoring peace and stability. Adityanath also launched a scathing attack on the opposition's alleged disrespect towards national heroes such as Shivaji, Maharana Pratap, and Rana Sanga, while simultaneously accusing them of glorifying historical figures like Aurangzeb, Babur, and Jinnah. He argued that this selective reverence is a deliberate attempt to rewrite history and divide the people along ideological and religious lines. He asserted that their 'lack of knowledge of history' leads them to make 'senseless statements' that further fuel division and animosity. He emphasized the importance of respecting national heroes for the sake of a 'viksit and atmanirbhar Bharat' (developed and self-reliant India). He argued that honoring these figures is essential for fostering a sense of national unity and pride, and for inspiring future generations to strive for excellence and contribute to the nation's progress. He challenged the opposition, who he claims are now talking about caste, to show how many Dalits were given homes during their terms. He argued that their claims of advocating for social justice are hollow and contradicted by their past actions. This challenge aims to expose the opposition's perceived hypocrisy and to undermine their credibility as champions of the marginalized. He laid the blame for corruption, casteism, and mafia rule squarely at the feet of the opposition. He asserted that in the past, mafia groups controlled entire districts, manipulated government contracts, instigated riots, and harassed women and businessmen. He claimed that people lived in fear during festivals, a stark contrast to the peaceful and grand celebrations that now take place under his governance. This accusation paints a picture of a lawless and chaotic past, highlighting the perceived improvements in law and order under his administration.
Yogi Adityanath then transitioned to highlighting the development that has taken place in Uttar Pradesh since the BJP came to power in 2017. He asserted that the state now boasts some of the best infrastructure in the country. He provided the example of the state's GDP to demonstrate the unprecedented development under his leadership, citing that the GSDP grew from Rs 12.75 lakh crore in 2017 to nearly Rs 30 lakh crore now. He further highlighted the significant increase in per capita income, which more than doubled from Rs 46,000 in 2017 to over Rs 1.10 lakh and is expected to cross Rs 1.25 lakh soon. These figures are presented as evidence of the tangible progress that has been made under his administration, demonstrating the positive impact of his policies on the lives of ordinary citizens. He emphasized that the state has attracted massive investments due to its improved law and order situation and pro-industry policies. He claimed that companies are choosing Uttar Pradesh because of the conducive business environment that has been created under his leadership. He highlighted the 'Nivesh Mitra' portal, which provides over 500 approvals on a single platform, ensuring ease of doing business and timely incentives for investments. This initiative is presented as a key factor in attracting investment and driving economic growth in the state. Adityanath also addressed the healthcare sector, specifically mentioning his government's battle against encephalitis. He stated that a disease that claimed the lives of nearly 50,000 children, mostly from minority communities, over the past 40 years, has now been completely eradicated. This achievement is presented as a testament to his government's commitment to public health and its ability to effectively address long-standing challenges. This success story also appeals to the emotions, highlighting the positive impact on a vulnerable segment of the population. He proclaimed Uttar Pradesh as the spiritual heart of India, elaborating on the organization of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, which was attended by over 66 crore people. He called it a model of good governance, sanitation, and excellent law and order. This event is presented as a showcase of the state's cultural heritage and its ability to manage large-scale events effectively. The Kumbh Mela success strengthens the narrative of improved governance under his tenure. Yogi Adityanath's address went beyond mere political rhetoric; it presented a comprehensive vision for the future of Uttar Pradesh and India. He emphasized the importance of the four pillars of democracy: legislature, executive, judiciary, and media, and stressed the need for each to function within its 'Lakshman Rekha' (boundaries). He articulated that along with rights, it is equally important to understand our responsibilities in a democracy. He asserted that India's democracy is strong because each pillar follows its own ‘Lakshman Rekha'. He proclaimed that ‘Samvad’ or dialogue is the greatest strength of democracy. He claimed that even the toughest problems can be solved through conversation and that when dialogue ends, conflict begins, further highlighting the importance of always choosing the path of discussion.
The Chief Minister's remarks underscore a complex interplay of political maneuvering, historical revisionism, and developmental claims. The accusations against the opposition are strong and multifaceted, directly challenging their credibility and questioning their motivations. The focus on West Bengal and the alleged glorification of divisive historical figures aims to stoke nationalistic sentiments and consolidate support among the Hindu majority. The emphasis on development in Uttar Pradesh serves to bolster Adityanath's image as a capable and effective leader, showcasing the tangible benefits of his governance. The appeal to respecting national heroes is a recurring theme in Indian politics, often used to promote a particular vision of national identity and to criticize those who are perceived to be undermining it. Adityanath's address can be interpreted as a strategic attempt to shape the narrative surrounding the upcoming elections, to rally his supporters, and to undermine the opposition's chances of success. By framing the election as a battle between those who uphold national values and those who seek to divide the country, he aims to mobilize voters along ideological and religious lines. He leverages historical grievances, cultural symbols, and economic achievements to paint a compelling picture of his leadership and to contrast it with the perceived failures of the opposition. The core of Adityanath's message revolves around several intertwined themes: national identity, governance, and historical revisionism. His portrayal of the opposition's alleged disrespect for national heroes and their perceived sympathy for divisive figures like Jinnah is a direct appeal to nationalist sentiments. This strategy aims to galvanize support by tapping into a sense of national pride and by demonizing those who are seen as undermining the nation's values. His focus on development in Uttar Pradesh serves to demonstrate his government's competence and to highlight the tangible benefits of his policies. By showcasing the state's economic growth and infrastructure improvements, he aims to win over voters who are primarily concerned with material well-being. The revisionist historical narrative is a subtle but powerful tool that Adityanath employs to shape public opinion. By selectively highlighting certain historical figures and events, he seeks to create a particular understanding of the past that supports his political agenda. This narrative aims to legitimize his actions and to discredit his opponents by casting them as enemies of the nation. Adityanath’s speech, though seemingly focused on specific incidents and achievements, serves as a carefully constructed argument for his leadership and his party's vision for India. It weaves together themes of national pride, economic progress, and cultural identity to create a compelling narrative that resonates with a particular segment of the electorate. The success of this strategy will depend on the extent to which his message resonates with voters and on the ability of the opposition to counter his arguments with their own compelling vision for the future of the nation.
Source: Yogi Adityanath: Opposition’s silence over West Bengal riots has exposed their double standards