Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 325 projects worth Rs 2,131 crore in Saharanpur, saying a district once known for riots, fatwas and migration had now become a symbol of development, connectivity and industrial progress.Accusing those who allegedly promoted a culture of fatwas and protected criminals and mafia elements of remaining silent when the Sanatan culture came under attack, the CM said that earlier, Deoband issued fatwas on all matters, including how one should eat. Now, he said, BJP MLA from Deoband Kunwar Brijesh Singh has been pushing for personal freedom and national security.“Following your proposal, the government has established an ATS (anti-terrorist squad) center here. ATS commands maintain constant surveillance. Any anti-national element that dares to raise its head will surely be finished. “Anyone who tries to compromise security or play with the future of youth will have to face the consequences,” he said.Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for elevating the status of ‘Vande Mataram’, the CM said anyone who insults India’s national symbols will now face punishment, adding that people living in India and eating Indian food cannot be allowed to praise the enemy.Attacking the opposition parties, the CM said UP’s politics is no longer about appeasement, but about satisfaction and inclusive well-being. Where earlier public funds were spent on graveyard boundary walls, encroachments and caste and community appeasement, now the same money is used for roads, universities, sports schools, RCC drainages, highways and development of religious and tourist destinations, he said.Listing out various development projects for the region, the CM mentioned redevelopment of Maa Shakambhari Dham, Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, Ganga Expressway, proposed airport, sports school, smart city projects and industrial logistics centres.He said, “The policies of the twin-engine government have transformed both the image and destiny of western UP. The forces obstructing development are trying to divide the society through appeasement and caste-based policies. However, people now strongly support development, security and nationalism. When good governments are elected, the results are also positive, and Saharanpur has become a living example of this transformation.“Yogi said that between 2013 and 2016, Saharanpur became known for riots, curfews, migration and chaos. The district lacked major educational centres, sports facilities or industry. Deoband had gained notoriety due to fatwas and regressive practices. In 2016, the entire West UP was on fire, but no one paid attention, he said.“After the formation of the twin-engine government in 2017, Saharanpur acquired a new identity. The district’s world-renowned timber industry was given a new platform, and today Saharanpur has carved out a distinctive identity. It is fast emerging as a major hub of development and connectivity,” he said.The CM said a major industrial and logistics hub was being developed at Saharanpur, between Delhi and Dehradun, which would generate employment for thousands of youth. The Noida International Airport at Jewar, the country’s first fast train at Meerut and the nearly 600 km long Ganga Highway from Meerut to Prayagraj had transformed West UP. Besides, an elevated road is being constructed to ensure smooth travel for devotees visiting Maa Shakambhari dham in all weather conditions, he added.
