Kovind praises Yogi Adityanath for UP's development push at book launch
Synopsis
Former President Ram Nath Kovind used the Lucknow launch of his Hindi autobiography to deliver a sweeping endorsement of Yogi Adityanath's UP governance — praising infrastructure expansion, welfare delivery, and the chief minister's one-trillion-dollar economy ambition — while also tracing his own journey from a leaking-roof childhood in Kanpur Dehat to Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Key Takeaways
Former President Ram Nath Kovind praised Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath 's governance at a book launch in Lucknow on 14 October 2026 .
Kovind said UP has gained 'unprecedented momentum' on development, citing expansion of airports, expressways, and metro networks.
The event marked the launch of the Hindi edition of Kovind's autobiography, 'Bharatiya Ganatantra Ki Vijaygatha: Mera Jeevan, Mera Sangharsh' ; he announced it will be published in all regional languages.
Kovind recalled growing up in a modest home in Kanpur Dehat and credited the Modi and Yogi governments with providing permanent homes to millions of poor families.
He noted that his election as President in 2017 was the first time a native of Uttar Pradesh held that office.
Former President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday, 14 October lauded Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's governance record in Uttar Pradesh, saying the state has gained 'unprecedented momentum' on development and law-and-order under his leadership. Kovind made the remarks in Lucknow at the launch of the Hindi edition of his autobiography.
What Kovind Said About UP's Transformation
Speaking at the event, the former President credited Adityanath with injecting new energy into the state's infrastructure and welfare delivery. 'Efforts to transform Uttar Pradesh into Uttam Pradesh have gained unprecedented momentum. Connectivity has improved significantly through the expansion of infrastructure, such as airports, expressways, and metro networks. Poor families are benefiting from the effective implementation of government schemes,' Kovind said, while also commending Adityanath's stated ambition of building a one-trillion-dollar state economy.
Book Launch and Personal Reflections
The occasion was the release of the Hindi edition of Kovind's autobiography, 'Bharatiya Ganatantra Ki Vijaygatha: Mera Jeevan, Mera Sangharsh', which he described as emotionally significant. Recalling his childhood in a modest home in a small village in Kanpur Dehat district, he spoke of a leaking roof during the rainy season — a memory, he said, that resurfaced when he was elected President in 2017. 'At that time, I had said that somewhere in a village in the country, a young Ramnath might still be standing beneath a leaking roof, dreaming of a better future,' he told the gathering. He also announced that the autobiography would be published in all regional languages.
On BJP's Ethos and Political Journey
Kovind explained that he chose the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for his political journey because of what he called the 'party's ethos of placing the nation above all else.' He cited examples of leaders from humble origins rising to the country's highest offices — including former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who was the son of an ordinary teacher; Kalyan Singh, who became Chief Minister; Adityanath, born into a poor family; and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who once sold tea. 'Even an individual from a weaker section of society can rise to become the President,' he said, calling it 'the victory of India's Republic.' He added that Vajpayee left a profound impact on his life, inspiring him to view politics as a 'medium for serving the nation rather than merely a means to acquire power.'
UP's Legacy and Mahakumbh 2025
Notably, Kovind observed that while Uttar Pradesh has produced several Prime Ministers, his own election in 2017 marked the first time a native of the state had risen to the office of President — an achievement he attributed not to himself but to the 'dreams and aspirations of the state's millions of people.' He also referenced Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025, describing it as an event that 'showcased India's spiritual consciousness and the strength of its social harmony to the world.' His comments come amid the ruling BJP's ongoing efforts to highlight UP's governance record ahead of future electoral cycles.
Point of View
Not a routine courtesy. The remarks arrive as the BJP continues to build a governance narrative around UP ahead of future elections, making Adityanath's administration a centrepiece of the party's story of social mobility and delivery. The one-trillion-dollar economy claim, however, remains aspirational and unverified, and Kovind's personal journey — while compelling — does not substitute for independent data on whether UP's infrastructure and welfare gains have meaningfully narrowed poverty gaps. The mainstream coverage of this event risks treating political biography as economic fact.
NationPress
14 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Ram Nath Kovind say about Yogi Adityanath's governance in UP?
Former President Ram Nath Kovind said Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has given 'unprecedented momentum' to Uttar Pradesh's development, citing improvements in airports, expressways, metro networks, and welfare delivery. He also praised Adityanath's resolve to build UP into a one-trillion-dollar economy.
What book did Ram Nath Kovind launch in Lucknow?
Kovind launched the Hindi edition of his autobiography, 'Bharatiya Ganatantra Ki Vijaygatha: Mera Jeevan, Mera Sangharsh', in Lucknow on 14 October 2026. He also announced that the book would be published in all regional languages.
Why did Kovind say he joined the BJP?
Kovind said the primary reason for joining the Bharatiya Janata Party was its 'ethos of placing the nation above all else' and its emphasis on inclusive development that transcends casteism, regionalism, and dynastic politics. He cited leaders from humble origins — including Vajpayee, Modi, and Adityanath — as examples of the party's meritocratic culture.
What was the significance of Kovind becoming President in 2017?
Kovind noted that his 2017 election marked the first time a native of Uttar Pradesh had become President of India. He described the achievement as a tribute to the dreams and aspirations of the state's people rather than a personal milestone.
What did Kovind say about Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025?
Kovind referred to Mahakumbh 2025 as an event that showcased India's spiritual consciousness and the strength of its social harmony to the world. The remarks were made in the context of UP's broader development and cultural significance under Adityanath's administration.
