Varanasi: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday inaugurated and laid foundation stone of development projects worth Rs. 955.4 crore for Azamgarh district at a programme organised on the Maharaja Suheldev State University campus in Azamgarh. Speaking on the occasion, the CM said Azamgarh is a district known for penance of sages and saints and added that it is the land of freedom fighters with rich culture, heritage of handicraft and agriculture but its identity was affected by negligence of previous govts. He said that till 2017, Azamgarh was deprived of several important dimensions of development. There was neither the university, nor the Purvanchal Expressway, nor airport facilities, while local art and craft had no proper platform. Today, with efforts of the double-engine govt, Azamgarh’s saree, Mubarakpur’s black pottery, Hariharpur’s musical tradition and the farmers and artisans got a new identity. He said that after formation of BJP and NDA govt in the state and Centre, local industries and handicraft received a boost, due to which income of artisans and traders increased. “Govt is working for welfare of poor, farmers, youth and women without discrimination. A campaign is on to provide housing, toilets, electricity and security to every poor person,” said the chief minister. Referring to the valour of Maharaja Suheldev, Yogi said India needs to draw inspiration from its glorious heritage and national heroes. He said the new India will not accept symbols of slavery and work is on to establish the country’s cultural heritage. Targeting the opposition parties, the Chief Minister said parties that ruled the state for years could not carry out development, or create employment and security. He said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country and the state are progressing rapidly and India is establishing a new identity on the world stage. Appealing to the public to support the double-engine govt to maintain the pace of development, he said work of taking Azamgarh to new heights in the fields of education, industry, tourism, culture and employment will continue.
