Yogi Adityanath Spreads Diwali Joy in Gorakhpur; Honors Sanitation Workers
UP CM Yogi Adityanath visits Dalit and Nishad communities in Gorakhpur, distributes gifts to sanitation workers, and celebrates Diwali with saints.
Marking the festival of lights with a blend of spiritual devotion and social outreach, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath spent his Sunday in Gorakhpur. The Chief Minister engaged in a series of visits aimed at connecting with the marginalized sections of society, celebrating Yogi Adityanath Diwali Gorakhpur festivities by distributing gifts to sanitation workers and spending time with the region's saints.
Outreach to Marginalized Communities
The Chief Minister's itinerary included visits to settlements inhabited by the Dalit and Nishad communities. During these interactions, he spent quality time with sanitation workers, acknowledging their essential service to the city by presenting them with Diwali gifts to brighten their festive season.
Beyond the celebrations, the CM visited a Vantangiya (forest-dwelling) village, where he reflected on the transformation of the area. He highlighted the stark contrast between the present and the past, noting that residents who were once deprived of the most basic human necessities are now seeing a significant improvement in their quality of life.
A Critique of Past Governance
Speaking to reporters, Yogi Adityanath launched a scathing attack on previous administrations, alleging a century of systemic neglect toward forest-dwelling communities. He claimed that for 70 years, these residents were denied fundamental amenities such as:
- All-weather roads and electricity
- Clean drinking water
- Access to schools and healthcare facilities
- Inclusion in electoral rolls and government welfare schemes
The Chief Minister drew a poignant comparison, stating that while Lord Ram spent 14 years in exile, the residents of these villages were left to "wander in forests" for over a century due to the apathy of the British, the Congress, and the Samajwadi Party. He pointed out that there were 56 Vantangiya villages across Uttar Pradesh that remained abandoned and effectively "unfree" even after India gained independence in 1947.
"One Family" Vision for Uttar Pradesh
Emphasizing his government's commitment to inclusive growth, CM Adityanath asserted that his administration does not differentiate between citizens based on their background. He described the state's massive population as a single cohesive unit.
"For us, Uttar Pradesh, with its population of 25 crore, is one single family, regardless of caste, region, whether in a village or a city, rich or poor. This is the difference," the Chief Minister stated.
The day's events concluded with the Chief Minister celebrating the spiritual essence of Diwali alongside local saints, bridging the gap between administrative duty and traditional faith.