Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Sunday, said that the previous governments in Uttar Pradesh had made Azamgarh a hub of crime and mafia activities but today its image had changed with developmental activities initiated under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

 “Azamgarh was known for crime and mafia activities seven years ago, but today the prime minister is showering the district with projects worth thousands of crores of rupees,” he said.

Speaking at the inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony of 782 development projects worth Rs 34,700 crore at the Manduri Airport complex in Azamgarh on Sunday, the chief minister expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for providing a better security environment to Azamgarh over the past decade and for spearheading its development, modernising infrastructure and implementing various public welfare initiatives.

The chief minister expressed confidence that the Azamgarh, Lalganj and Ghosi parliamentary constituencies would continue to support the Modi government in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Chief Minister Yogi highlighted the pivotal role of the Purvanchal Expressway, constructed at a cost exceeding Rs 22,000 crore, in the development of Azamgarh, adding that it had transformed the economy of eastern UP, enabling the residents of Azamgarh to reach Lucknow in just two hours.

“The prime minister’s vision of ensuring that even those who wear slippers can travel by plane is now a reality in UP and across the nation. In UP, where earlier only two airports were operational, we now have nine operational airports and the prime minister is going to inaugurate five new airports today.”

The Azamgarh airport, set to be inaugurated by the prime minister, would mark the beginning of air services from the district, he added.

The chief minister emphasised the longstanding demand of Azamgarh to have its own university, which is now set to become a reality.

“Named after Maharaja Suhail Dev, renowned for his bravery and valour in history, this university was inaugurated by the prime minister.” he said.

The chief minister underscored the transformative initiatives of the double-engine government, citing the establishment of a music college in Hariharpur to enrich the cultural landscape of Azamgarh.

“Through the One District, One Product scheme, local products like black pottery and Mubarakpur silk sarees have garnered global acclaim, contributing to the vision of a self-reliant India. Additionally, an Atal Residential School has been established to provide education to the children of labourers,” he said.

Highlighting the remarkable turnaround, the chief minister noted that while Azamgarh was once associated with fear, it was now earning national and international recognition for its contributions to art, education, literature and development.

“Under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi, Azamgarh has reclaimed its ancient identity and is on the path to prosperity,” he said.

Asserting the emergence of a new India, the chief minister said, “We are witnessing the arrival of new railway and national highway projects within the state. Before Holi, the residents of the state are receiving gifts worth thousands of crores of rupees.”

The chief minister said the double-engine government was ensuring that the benefits of government schemes reached every village, including the poor, youth and farmers, without any discrimination.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the double-engine government is concerned about the livelihood of the youth and is also committed to respecting faith. It is not only improving security but also striving to propel the nation towards prosperity,” he said.

In Azamgarh district, 11.30 lakh Ayushman cards have been distributed, while 7.5 lakh farmers have received Rs 1,940 crore under the Kisan Samman Nidhi. Besides, three lakh beneficiaries have received free cooking gas connections under the Ujjwala scheme. Housing has been provided to 1.10 lakh beneficiaries under the PM Awas (Rural) scheme, with an additional 17,000 beneficiaries in urban areas in Azamgarh, he added.

On this occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, Bharatiya Janata Party state president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary, UP ministers Surya Pratap Shahi, AK Sharma, Om Prakash Rajbhar, Yogendra Upadhyay, Dara Singh Chauhan, Azamgarh MP Dinesh Lal Yadav ‘Nirahua’ and others were present.