Gorakhpur: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday issued a stern warning against anyone attempting to disturb communal harmony during festivals, saying such elements would face severe consequences.After inaugurating and laying the foundation for 106 development projects worth over Rs 456 crore in Rudrapur and Barhaj assembly constituencies of Deoria district, the chief minister said Uttar Pradesh now follows a strict zero-tolerance policy against crime, mafia activities and lawlessness.Referring to Muharram, Yogi said the observance was taking place peacefully across the state and asserted that no one would be allowed to brandish weapons or indulge in hooliganism on public roads. He claimed that the improved law and order situation since 2017 has created a favourable environment for investment and industrial growth.The chief minister also launched a political attack on the Samajwadi Party and Congress, alleging that Uttar Pradesh had witnessed riots, mafia dominance and corruption during their tenures. Recalling the 2016 incident in which the Madanpur police station in Deoria was allegedly looted and set ablaze, he said such incidents reflected the prevailing lawlessness of that period.Highlighting infrastructure development, Yogi said road connectivity across eastern UP has improved significantly, linking districts such as Deoria, Kushinagar and Gorakhpur with major routes. He also said UP’s large youth population was being connected with employment and self-employment opportunities through government schemes.Targeting the SP over the Purvanchal Expressway project, Yogi alleged that the previous govt had floated a tender worth Rs 15,800 crore without acquiring land. He claimed the BJP government completed the project for around Rs 11,200 crore after revising the process, resulting in savings of nearly Rs 4,000 crore.The chief minister said Barhaj would emerge as a major trade hub under the Inland Waterway Project, enabling local agricultural produce to access national and international markets. He also distributed certificates and financial assistance cheques to beneficiaries of various government welfare schemes.
