Congress denied Ram’s existence; SP persecuted devotees: UP CM News24 –
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described the grand and divine Deepotsav in Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram, as a symbol of prosperity and good governance, while criticizing past SP and Congress governments for neglecting and undermining Ayodhya’s legacy. He said, “Ayodhya was once insulted by invaders, denied by Congress, and conspired against by the SP government. Today, the same Ayodhya, renewed and divine, is drawing the world’s attention.”
On Monday, the Chief Minister celebrated Diwali with forest dwellers in Vantangiya village, Tinkonia No. 3—his ninth consecutive year marking the festival with them. A day after setting new world records at Deepotsav 2025, he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 133 development projects worth ₹49 crore across the district.
Extending festive greetings, CM Yogi said the grandeur of Deepotsav was a divine spectacle that reflects gratitude toward heritage and ancestors. “When people take pride in their culture and work with devotion, divine joy follows,” he said, adding that Ayodhya’s transformation has made it a living symbol of India’s unity and pride, where every section of society celebrates together.
CM Yogi emphasized that today’s Ayodhya unites rather than divides. “The airport is named after Maharishi
Valmiki, the restaurant after Mata Shabari, and the main intersection after Lata Mangeshkar. Statues of prominent South Indian saints and temples dedicated to Valmiki and Vishwamitra have been established on the Shri Ram Temple premises. Gates bear the names of Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya, and Ramanandacharya,” he remarked.
Highlighting Ayodhya’s development, he said the city is becoming India’s first solar-powered city, with electricity supplied entirely through solar energy. The festival of lights here now stands as a symbol of prosperity and good governance. “Festivals and celebrations are meant to spread joy and enthusiasm in society,” he added.
The Chief Minister underlined that discipline and dedication are the state’s strengths. “Through these, Uttar Pradesh has set new benchmarks in security and law enforcement. Discipline and commitment will ensure even greater progress in the future,” he said, urging citizens to embrace Swadeshi and reflect it in the state’s prosperity.
CM Yogi recalled that 15 years ago, Tania village lacked basic amenities, such as roads, electricity, houses, or schools. “Today, every resident has a permanent home, children have schools, Anganwadi centers operate, and electricity and water are available. Locals benefit from ration cards, Ayushman cards, and pension schemes. Women are now achieving economic empowerment by cultivating vegetables through FPOs,” he stated.
He reiterated the double-engine government’s commitment to providing all underprivileged groups including forest dwellers, hill communities, and tribal populations with full access to facilities. The government has resolved to lift Musahars, Tharus, Kols, Saharias, Cheros, and Buksas out of poverty and bring prosperity to their homes, calling on citizens to raise awareness and participate in this mission.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged people to support those in need and ensure that no one is deprived of the joy of Diwali. He urged citizens to light a lamp in every home, distribute sweets, and share the festival’s happiness with at least one underprivileged family. He suggested taking selfies while giving sweets and gifts to the poor, spreading the message that joy is best shared.
State Cabinet Minister Dr. Sanjay Nishad praised CM Yogi’s public welfare initiatives, saying that festivals in Uttar Pradesh are now celebrated in an atmosphere of harmony and love, free from fear and oppression. He added that by making the state crime- and corruption-free, CM Yogi has also strengthened the economy. Dr. Nishad likened CM Yogi’s respect for the marginalized today to Lord Shri Ram’s respect for Nishadraj in the Treta Yuga.
Welcoming the Chief Minister at the Deepotsav in Vantangiya village, Gorakhpur Rural MLA Vipin Singh said that CM Yogi’s visionary leadership has ended decades of neglect and accelerated development in Vantangiya villages. Pipraich MLA Mahendrapal Singh added that even the most marginalized communities have been empowered under CM Yogi, with the Vantangiya community serving as a model example.
The event was attended by prominent leaders, including Mayor Dr. Manglesh Srivastava, Kushinagar MP Vijay Dubey, MLC and BJP State Vice President Dr. Dharmendra Singh, MLA Shriram Chauhan, Dr. Vimlesh Paswan, Pradeep Shukla, Sarwan Nishad, State Women’s Commission Vice President Charu Chaudhary, religious leaders, BJP officials, and representatives of the Vantangiya community. The program began with floral offerings to Maa Saraswati, Maa Bharti, Bajrang Bali, and Guru Gorakhnathji.
From the stage, CM Yogi distributed symbolic keys under the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana, Ayushman cards, acceptance letters from the Animal Husbandry Department, certificates and mini seed kits from the Horticulture Department, along with Diwali gifts to all beneficiaries.
In addition to celebrating Deepotsav, the Chief Minister presented development works worth Rs 49 crore to various gram panchayats, inaugurating 128 projects worth Rs 32.81 crore and laying the foundation for 5 projects worth Rs 16.80 crore.
CM Yogi also toured exhibitions by departments including Forest, Agriculture, Horticulture, Women Welfare, Child Development, Disability Empowerment, Basic Education, Animal Husbandry, Health, ODOP, National Rural Livelihood Mission, Social Welfare, and Khadi, which showcased government welfare schemes. He interacted with visitors, performed the Annaprashan ceremony for three children, participated in a baby shower for three pregnant women, and presented them with gifts.
During his village tour, the Chief Minister visited Ramganesh’s home, head of the Vantangiya community, lighting a lamp to inaugurate the festival for all villagers. He met and greeted locals, joked with children, and posed for photographs, spreading cheer throughout the village.