Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday, 13 September 2026, lauded the Yogi Adityanath government for fundamentally transforming Uttar Pradesh from a state once synonymous with mafia rule and lawlessness into one now earning global recognition for development and law enforcement.

Addressing a gathering of the Khatik community in New Delhi, Singh said the state that was once defined by 'mafia raj', riots, and poor infrastructure is now being celebrated worldwide as a symbol of peace and economic progress.

From Mafia Raj to ODOP: The Core Message

Singh drew a pointed contrast between the state's past and present, framing it around a sharp turn of phrase. "Uttar Pradesh has left behind the identity of One District, Many Mafia and is now known for initiatives like One District, One Dish and One District, One Product (ODOP)," he said. He cited specific examples to illustrate the shift — Hathras's 'hing' (asafoetida), Firozabad's glass sculptures, Mathura's 'peda', and Aligarh's locks — all of which, he claimed, are now gaining international recognition.

The ODOP scheme, a flagship initiative of the Yogi Adityanath administration, aims to identify and promote a distinctive product from each of Uttar Pradesh's districts, connecting local artisans and producers to national and global markets. Critics have noted that while the scheme has raised the profile of traditional crafts, its impact on ground-level incomes has been uneven across districts.

Credit to CM Yogi and the 'Double-Engine' Government

Singh credited Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directly for the turnaround, recalling a period when roads were in a dilapidated state and an atmosphere of insecurity prevailed. He argued that the alignment between the state government and the Centre — often referred to as the 'double-engine' government — has accelerated Uttar Pradesh's infrastructure development to a standard he described as globally competitive.

This comes amid the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s broader political narrative ahead of upcoming state-level electoral cycles, positioning UP's governance record as a model for other states.

Khatik Community's Historical Role Acknowledged

A significant portion of Singh's address was devoted to honouring the historical contributions of the Khatik community. He recalled that in 1946, during the violence of Direct Action Day, members of the Khatik community — led by Gopal Patha — stepped up to protect Hindus in Bengal who were being targeted. He also highlighted the community's role in the First War of Independence fought in Meerut in 1857, noting that despite severe oppression by British rulers, the community sacrificed greatly for India's freedom.

Notably, the invocation of both 1857 and 1946 in a single address underlines a pattern seen in BJP outreach events — connecting community identity to nationalist historical memory as a tool of political consolidation.

Call for Unity and Social Cohesion

Singh concluded his address with a call for unity within the community and society at large, cautioning against attempts to create divisions or rifts. He urged everyone to foster a spirit of love and cooperation, summarising his message as: 'Scatter we shall fall, united we shall shine.' The warning against divisive forces, while not directed at any specific group, comes at a time of heightened community sensitivities in several parts of the country.

As Uttar Pradesh continues to position itself as India's most populous and increasingly investment-friendly state, how effectively the ODOP framework translates into sustained economic gains for traditional artisans will be the real measure of the transformation Singh described.