Rule of Law Over Mafia Rule: Yogi Adityanath Credits Zero Tolerance Policy for UP's Shift
UP CM Yogi Adityanath claims zero tolerance policy has ended mafia rule and boosted women's safety and economic growth over 9.5 years.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asserted that the state's dramatic transformation over the last nine and a half years is the direct result of a zero tolerance policy toward crime and criminals. Speaking at the fifth convocation ceremony of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia National Law University in Lucknow on Saturday, October 17, 2026, the Chief Minister credited the 'double-engine' government for suppressing malevolent forces and firmly establishing the rule of law.
Ending the Era of Tyranny
The Chief Minister drew a sharp contrast between the current state of affairs and the environment that existed prior to 2017. He claimed that before his administration took over, Uttar Pradesh was plagued by the influence of mafias and rioters, which created an atmosphere of fear and hindered the safety and progress of the people, particularly women.
According to Adityanath, the eradication of terror and tyranny is a fundamental prerequisite for any society that aspires to be founded on justice, peace, and fearlessness. He emphasized that the state has now transitioned into a system where the Constitution remains supreme, replacing the previous era of lawlessness.
Revolutionizing Police Response
One of the most striking metrics highlighted by the Chief Minister was the drastic improvement in emergency services. He noted a significant leap in police efficiency, stating that response times have plummeted from an average of 65 minutes in 2016 to just 5 minutes today, ensuring that help reaches citizens far more rapidly than in the past.
Empowering Women and Boosting the Economy
A major pillar of the Chief Minister's address was the focus on women's safety and empowerment. Invoking the divine form of Goddess Kaalratri on the platform X, Adityanath linked spiritual strength to the state's tangible security initiatives. He pointed to several key projects, including:
- Mission Shakti: A comprehensive initiative for women's safety and empowerment.
- Integrated 1090 Helpline: Providing a dedicated channel for women in distress.
- Women-focused Beat Policing: Increasing the presence of female officers on the ground.
- Safe City Project: Utilizing technology and infrastructure to secure urban areas.
The Economic Ripple Effect
The Chief Minister argued that security is not just a social necessity but an economic driver. He revealed that female labor force participation in Uttar Pradesh has surged from 12% to over 36%. He attributed this growth to the enhanced security measures that now allow women to work with confidence, even during night shifts.
Adityanath maintained that this increase in women's participation in the workforce is a primary catalyst for the state's overall economic development, contributing significantly to the growth of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and per capita income.