Azamgarh (UP), Mar 10 (Reporter) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that previous governments had made Azamgarh a hub of crime and activities of mafia elements. Speaking at the launch of 782 development projects worth Rs 34,700 crore at the Manduri Airport complex in Azamgarh, the Chief Minister said that seven years ago, Azamgarh was rife with crime and mafia activities, but today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is showering the district with money, bringing forth projects worth thousands of crores of rupees. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for providing a better security environment to Azamgarh over the past decade and for spearheading its development, modernizing infrastructure, and implementing various public welfare initiatives. Yogi assured that in 2024, Azamgarh, Lalganj, and Ghosi would continue to support the Modi government. He highlighted the pivotal role of the Purvanchal Expressway, constructed at a cost exceeding Rs 22,000 crore, in the development of Azamgarh. He emphasised that it has transformed the economy of eastern Uttar Pradesh, enabling Azamgarh residents to reach Lucknow in just two hours. The CM explained that the Azamgarh Airport is set to be inaugurated by the Prime Minister, marking the beginning of air services. "Today, Uttar Pradesh is going to get five new Airports. The double-engine government has tried to provide the best facilities here," he said. He said, "The Prime Minister's vision of ensuring that even those who wear slippers can travel by plane is now a reality in Uttar Pradesh and across the nation. In Uttar Pradesh, where previously only two Airports were operational, we now have nine operational Airports and the Prime Minister is going to inaugurate five new Airports today." Yogi emphasised the longstanding demand for Azamgarh to have its university, which is now set to become a reality. "Named after Maharaja Suhail Dev, renowned for his bravery and valour in history, this university was inaugurated by the Prime Minister," he said. He underscored the transformative initiatives of the double-engine government, citing the setting up of a Music College in Hariharpur to enrich the cultural landscape of Azamgarh. "Through the 'one district, one product' scheme, local products like Black Pottery and Mubarakpur silk sarees have garnered global acclaim, contributing to the vision of a self-reliant India. Additionally, an Atal Residential School has been established to provide education to the children of labourers," he said. Highlighting the remarkable turnaround, the Chief Minister noted that while Azamgarh was once associated with fear, it is now earning national and international recognition for its contributions to art, education, literature, and development. "Under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi, Azamgarh has reclaimed its ancient identity and is on the path to prosperity," he said. Asserting the emergence of a new India, he said, "We are witnessing the arrival of new railway and national highway projects within the state. Before Holi, the residents of the state are receiving gifts worth thousands of crores of rupees." Yogi highlighted that the double-engine government is ensuring that the benefits of governance schemes reach every village, including the poor, youth, and farmers, without any discrimination. He said, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the double engine government is concerned about the livelihood of the youth and is also committed to respecting faith. It is not only improving security but also striving to propel the nation towards prosperity...////...