In a bold and confident assertion aimed at transforming the perception and future of Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday declared that the state is on a fast-paced journey toward becoming the most prosperous and economically advanced state in India within the next three years.
He emphasized that his administration is fully committed to eradicating poverty, accelerating development, and uplifting the standard of living for every citizen.
The Chief Minister was addressing a large gathering during an official event held in Maharajganj district, where he presided over the inauguration of the Rohin Barrage project—a major initiative aimed at enhancing irrigation and water conservation in the region.
In addition to inaugurating the barrage, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stones and inaugurated a total of 629 development projects, collectively worth a whopping Rs 654 crore, according to a press release issued by the state government.
Speaking at the event, Adityanath struck a tone of optimism and determination, assuring the public that his vision for the state goes beyond slogans. “In the upcoming three years, Uttar Pradesh will not just witness incremental growth but a complete transformation into a prosperous, poverty-free state.
Our goal is to climinate poverty, and through focused planning and implementation, Uttar Pradesh will emerge as the number one economy in the country,” he said.
Highlighting the progress the state has made under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, Adityanath said, “The image of Uttar Pradesh has undergone a dramatic shift. The state is no longer a BIMARU (sick) state, and districts like Maharajganj, which were once classified as backward, have now become active hubs of infrastructure and development.”
The term ‘BIMARU’—an acronym that translates to ‘sick’ in Hindi—was coined by demographer Ashish Bose in the 1980s to describe some of the most underdeveloped states in India at the time: Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
These states were often criticized for high poverty rates, lack of industrial development, poor health indicators, and weak governance. Adityanath asserted that Uttar Pradesh has successfully shaken off this label and is now on a trajectory of inclusive and rapid growth.
In a strong critique of the previous state administrations, Adityanath took a dig at their policies, alleging that earlier governments patronized criminal syndicates and allowed lawlessness to thrive. “In the past, there was a concept of ‘one district, one mafia’.
Criminal elements controlled local governance and infrastructure, and politics served their interests. But today, under our governance, this has been replaced with ‘one district, one medical college’—a policy that promotes public welfare, education, and healthcare over crime and corruption,” the Chief Minister declared to a cheering crowd.
He further elaborated that the BJP government’s focus is on long-term structural improvements, especially in sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, employment, law and order, and women’s empowerment.
The construction of medical colleges across various districts, he said, will not only provide better access to healthcare for millions but also generate employment and boost local economies.
The Rohin Barrage project, which was officially inaugurated during the event, is expected to significantly improve irrigation in the Maharajganj region, benefiting thousands of farmers who rely on consistent water supply for agriculture.
The project, along with the hundreds of other infrastructure and development schemes being implemented in the region, reflects the government’s intention to strengthen rural infrastructure and agrarian resilience.
Adityanath reiterated that inclusive development—one that touches every citizen, especially those from rural and marginalized communities—is the cornerstone of the state’s progress under his administration.
“We are not only focusing on urban development but ensuring that rural areas like Maharajganj become self-reliant and equipped with modern facilities,” he added.
Addressing the youth of the state, Adityanath assured them that the government is working on multiple fronts to create employment opportunities, skill development programs, and entrepreneurial platforms to make them active contributors to the state’s growing economy.
“The new Uttar Pradesh we are building is one of opportunity, dignity, and prosperity, where the youth are leaders, not just job-seekers,” he said.
The Chief Minister also emphasized that the law-and-order situation in Uttar Pradesh has vastly improved over the last few years. He stated that the administration has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against crime and corruption, resulting in a safer environment for businesses, investors, and ordinary citizens alike.
The event concluded with Adityanath appealing to the people to participate in the development process by cooperating with government schemes, supporting infrastructure development, and staying informed about various welfare programs launched for their benefit.
He reiterated that the people’s trust and participation are crucial in realizing the dream of a new, prosperous Uttar Pradesh.
As Uttar Pradesh positions itself for rapid development with the promise of becoming India’s leading economic powerhouse, CM Yogi Adityanath’s remarks reflect the ambitious goals set by the state government and the path it has chosen to reach them—with a focus on infrastructure, accountability, education, healthcare, and poverty eradication.