CM Adityanath further said that the money the present Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government spends on the development of temples and the beautification of Dhams was earlier spent during the Samajwadi Party’s tenure on constructing boundary walls for graveyard. File
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday (July 9, 2026) in Banda hit out at the Samajwadi Party (SP) and said that the Indian National Congress made it their life’s mission to criticise Hindu traditions and Sanatan, adding that they do not want to see a prosperous and Viksit Bharat.
Mr. Adityanath further said that the money the present Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government spends on the development of temples and the beautification of Dhams was earlier spent during the Samajwadi Party’s tenure on constructing boundary walls for graveyards.
“Certain individuals disrespect the nation’s heritage. They have dedicated their lives to criticising Hindu traditions and Sanatan. Their vision does not encompass a prosperous and developed Bharat. The funds allocated by our Government for the enhancement of temples and the beautification of Dhams were previously utilised during the Samajwadi Party’s administration for erecting boundary walls around graveyards.
They have a preference for graveyards, which explains their opposition to the development of the Ram Mandir, Kashi Vishwanath, Maa Vindhyavasini Dham, Chitrakoot, and Naimisharanya Dham. Leaders from the SP and Congress find it difficult to accept the developmental initiatives undertaken by BJP representatives,” said Mr. Adityanath, while he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 229 development projects valued at over ₹710 crore in Banda.
The Chief Minister urged the citizens of the state to reject those with “negative mindsets” that oppose progress. Mr. Adityanath also reflected on the time when Bundelkhand faced significant challenges. “Upon assuming the role of Chief Minister, the Prime Minister advised me that my initial visit should be to Bundelkhand, emphasizing the need for action in the region.
When I arrived here nearly nine to nine-and-a-half years ago, I observed that backwardness had become synonymous with the area. Migration and water scarcity had emerged as defining characteristics of Bundelkhand. The mining mafia, land mafia, sand mafia, forest mafia, and dacoits instilled such fear that even farmers were hesitant to enter their fields,” he said.
He added that in Bundelkhand, there was no connectivity, irrigation, drinking water, security, or employment. “Even FIRs were not registered at police stations. Bundelkhand was struggling for its very existence, but today it brings immense satisfaction to see its progress. Everyone can clearly see the transformation in Banda compared to nine years ago,” said Mr. Adityanath.
He assured that any project brought to the Government for the preservation of development and heritage would be implemented to make Bundelkhand a heaven on earth. “When Prime Minister Modi assumed leadership of the country, a ray of hope emerged.
After the double engine Government was formed in Uttar Pradesh in 2017, the state also witnessed improved connectivity, drinking water facilities, irrigation for every field, and appointment letters for Government jobs for the youth of Banda. The BJP’s double engine Government has fulfilled the aspirations of everyone,” he said.
Mr. Adityanath added that the double engine BJP Government does not follow the policy of appeasement. “Our Government does not tolerate disturbances, curfews, or hooliganism. It warns those who attempt to compromise the safety of daughters and traders, and for those who do not mend their ways, the path to Yamraj’s abode will also be opened,” he said.
Published – July 10, 2026 03:39 pm IST
