Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took a dig at the Leader of the Opposition, Akhilesh Yadav, while clarifying differences between the original budget and the supplementary budget. He emphasized that funds were sought specifically for the Ganga Expressway, addressing an increase in GST from 12 to 18 percent during the tender. CM Yogi noted that no budgetary allocations were made for other expressways like Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, or the Gorakhpur Link Expressway.
CM Yogi pointed out discrepancies in Yadav’s statements, stating that the actual cost of the Gorakhpur Link Expressway was Rs 3,500 crore, as opposed to the stated Rs 6,000 crore. He explained how it connects Sant Kabir Nagar and Ambedkar Nagar while passing through low-lying areas.
Reflecting on Uttar Pradesh’s pre-2017 infrastructure, CM Yogi recalled the state’s negative reputation for poorly maintained highways and roads. He emphasized a stark transformation from those times, citing expressions of appreciation from even opposition party members like Shivpal Singh Yadav.
CM Yogi mentioned Shivpal Singh Yadav’s expressed interest in similar initiatives but encountered difficulties garnering support. Using a metaphor (“Boya ped babool ka toh aam kaha se hoye?”), he emphasized the importance of investment and hard work in producing positive results.
Asserting the government’s commitment to achieving a trillion-dollar economy, CM Yogi compared the previous administration’s lack of vision to a state of unrest, riots, and anarchy. He emphasized positive changes, particularly in fostering an environment conducive to industrial growth, citing the 2018 UP Investors Summit as proof of attracting investments and driving development.