Gorakhpur, Apr 19 (Reporter) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that before 2017, some groups divided society on caste and religious lines for personal gain, even fuelling riots, in contrast, under the double-engine government, Uttar Pradesh has remained free from mafia, goons and riots for the past eight years and is now recognised for its development and progress. Addressing the inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony for projects worth Rs 1,500 crore at Manbela ground in Gorakhpur, the CM said, "There is no substitute for development, Those who can't deliver progress resort to dividing society on the lines of caste, religion or region. When in power, they prioritise their own families over public welfare." He gave a major boost to Gorakhpur's development by inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for 146 development projects worth around Rs 1,500 crore. These projects cover key sectors including road connectivity, sewage systems, healthcare and tourism. Yogi reminded people of the situation in India before 2014 and in UP before 2017. "The country was drowning in corruption and youth were directionless. Naxalism and terrorism posed serious threats to national security. But under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership over the past 10 years, India has transformed, moving forward with a clear vision, strengthening both heritage and development." Highlighting the transformation of UP, he said the state is now a shining example of new India. "In the last eight years, major changes have taken place. Farmers are being respected, women are feeling safer, traders are doing business without fear, and youth are getting employment opportunities. Every district of UP is progressing, Girls and women can now safely go to schools, colleges and markets," he said. The CM recalled a time when children from the Musahar community died of hunger in eastern UP and farmers in Bundelkhand were driven to suicide. He said earlier governments ignored these crises, choosing instead to divide society along caste, religion and regional lines, often fuelling riots and then playing both sides. He said, "It has been eight years since a single riot took place in UP. Today, the state is focused on inclusive development. UP is now free from mafias and criminals and focused on transformative initiatives like One District One Product (ODOP) and One District One Medical College." Yogi highlighted the distribution of two crore smartphones and tablets to empower the youth. He said that for artisans and craftsmen, the government is running schemes like ODOP and Vishwakarma Shram Samman. He said, "Street vendors are being supported through the PM SVANidhi Yojana to help them become self-reliant. No one in UP will die of hunger. Over 15 crore people in the state are receiving free ration." The CM said that his government is steadily moving towards achieving the goal of zero poverty in UP. "To reach the most vulnerable and left-out families, the government is conducting a comprehensive survey to identify those who, for various reasons, have not benefited from government schemes. Once identified, these families will be provided with the benefits of multiple welfare schemes on a single day, in the presence of public representatives," he said. He said, "Under this initiative, around 15 lakh families will be given access to housing under the PM Awas Yojana, health coverage through Ayushman Bharat, and will be issued ration cards. Those in need of pensions will be enrolled in relevant pension schemes and unemployed youth from these families will be connected with local employment opportunities." Appealing to citizens, Yogi urged people not to cause unnecessary damage to development projects. "The money being used for development does not belong to me. It is the money of 25 crore people of the state, and it should not be misused," he said. He highlighted the role of public representatives in ensuring that all development work maintains high quality and is completed on time. During the event, the CM distributed benefits to beneficiaries of various state schemes. These included laptops under the Mukhyamantri Bal Seva Yojana, appointment letters for new Anganwadi workers, Ayushman cards, loan cheques under the Yuva Udyami Abhiyan, house keys for PM Awas Yojana recipients, agricultural certificates and tablets under the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme...////...