Yogi Adityanath hits SP over riots and crime, launches ₹520 crore projects in Gonda
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday, 2 November 2026, launched a sharp attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP) at a public event in Gonda, asserting that every SP government had brought riots, curfews, and rampant crime to the state. Speaking at the inauguration and foundation stone-laying ceremony for 69 development projects worth over ₹520 crore in Gonda's Chhapia development block, he contended that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government had restored peace and driven large-scale development across all 75 districts.
What CM Yogi Said About SP's Rule
Addressing a large gathering covering the Gaura and Mankapur Assembly constituencies, Chief Minister Yogi stated: 'Whenever the SP has come to power, it has brought devastation to Uttar Pradesh. During its rule, riots, curfews, and crime were rampant. Disturbances would erupt before festivals. The rights of the poor and employment opportunities for the youth were effectively plundered. The safety of daughters and businessmen remained in jeopardy.'
He added that there are no longer any riots or curfews in the state and that people are now celebrating festivals without fear. Taking a broader swipe at the Opposition, he alleged: 'The SP and the Congress provide shelter to criminals, whereas the BJP government brings about positive change and accords respect to faith.'
Notably, the event fell on the anniversary of 2 November 1990, which the Chief Minister recalled as the day when, according to him, the then-state government ordered firing on devotees of Lord Ram in Ayodhya. He contrasted that with the BJP's role in facilitating the construction of the Ram Mandir.
Development Announcements for Gonda and Devipatan Region
The 69 projects inaugurated and launched on Monday span roads, education, and bridges across the Gaura and Mankapur constituencies. Chief Minister Yogi also distributed cheques, approval letters, and materials to beneficiaries of various government schemes at the event.
He highlighted that over the last nine and a half years, projects worth more than ₹16,000 crore have been sanctioned for Gonda alone, while approximately ₹50,000 crore in projects have been approved for the entire Devipatan division. In 2023, Gonda attracted investment proposals totalling ₹3,000 crore, with several already underway.
He noted that Gonda, once described as lagging in infrastructure and development, is now home to the Maharaja Devi Bakhsh Singh Medical College and a university. The Maharaja Suheldev Medical College has been established in Bahraich, and the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College in Balrampur is nearing completion. The Central government has also approved the widening of the Gonda-Ayodhya and Balrampur-Gonda roads.
Jobs Push: Lakh Appointments in Six Months
The Chief Minister announced an action plan to provide government jobs to one lakh (1,00,000) youths within six months. So far, appointment letters have been issued to 12,000–15,000 youths. He stated that this week, 4,500 sub-inspectors will receive their appointment letters; after Diwali, 35,000 police constables will be appointed, and subsequently, 42,000 Home Guards will be recruited.
He added that, to date, 9.5 lakh (9,50,000) youths have been provided with government jobs since the BJP government came to power. Recruitment processes for teachers and other departmental roles are also in progress.
Agniveer Policy and Athlete Appointments
Chief Minister Yogi also announced that Agniveers — personnel completing their four-year short-service tenure under the central scheme — will be granted 20 per cent reservation and direct recruitment without examination across the Police, PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary), Home Guards, the Forest Department, and the Prison Department in Uttar Pradesh.
He also noted that medal-winning athletes have been appointed to positions including Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) and sports officers. The Chief Minister issued a stern warning that those who compromise the safety of women or businessmen 'will face only two destinations: prison or hell — there is no third option.'
He said the mafia can no longer obstruct development projects, and announced that compressed biogas projects, derived from crop residue and cow dung, are being advanced to boost farmers' incomes. With the recruitment drive accelerating and investment commitments on paper, the coming months will test whether Gonda's ground-level infrastructure and employment promises translate into measurable outcomes.