Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday, 16 October launched a sharp attack on the previous Samajwadi Party (SP) government in the state, alleging that peaceful celebrations of Ramlilas and Kanwar Yatras were simply not possible during SP's tenure, which he claimed was defined by riots, curfews, and lawlessness. He made these remarks while campaigning for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council elections — covering Graduates' and Teachers' constituencies — in Ghaziabad.

Key Allegations Against SP Government

Addressing a public gathering, CM Adityanath alleged that across the SP's four terms in office, the state faced persistent crises relating to security, development, employment, and governance. 'Under the Samajwadi Party, the state became synonymous with riots, curfews, unrest, anarchy, plunder, corruption, dilapidated roads, and a complete lack of electricity — this had become the state's defining identity. Investors stayed away out of fear,' he said.

He further alleged a double standard in the SP era, pointing to the case of jailed SP leader Azam Khan, claiming that when Khan sought to establish a university, 'a different set of standards was applied,' while another entity attempting to set up a 'global university' was denied recognition.

Navratri and Festive Atmosphere as a Political Argument

Invoking the ongoing Shardiya Navratri festival, CM Adityanath said he witnessed large-scale Ramlila celebrations at multiple venues while travelling through Ghaziabad. 'If the Samajwadi Party were in power, riots would have already broken out. There would have been curfews and unrest,' he alleged.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the Kanwar Yatra that takes place between Ghaziabad and Haridwar, during which he claimed 4.5 crore Kanwariyas carry holy Ganga water during the Hindu month of Shravan. He said devotees now performed 'jalabhishek' at temples of Lord Shiva without any disturbances. 'There are no problems, no crisis, and no disturbances; instead, there is a festive atmosphere all around,' he said, contrasting the present with what he described as the absence of space for such events under SP rule, including the inability to set up Durga Puja pandals during Navratri.

Development Projects Cited as BJP Legacy

CM Adityanath pointed to several infrastructure milestones under what he termed the 'BJP-led double-engine government' of the Centre and state. He referenced the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail as having reduced the effective distance between Delhi and Meerut, boosting development prospects in the region.

He also cited the under-construction Narendra Modi International Airport in Jewar as evidence of the developmental trajectory under the current administration. On the religious-heritage front, he announced that an elevated route is being planned at the Maa Shakumbari Shaktipeeth in Saharanpur to enable year-round pilgrim access, particularly during periods of flash floods triggered by heavy water flow from the Shivalik hills. 'After this year we will make an elevated route there, following which people can have darshan of Maa Shakambhari during any season,' he said.

Electoral Context

The remarks come ahead of the UP Legislative Council elections for Graduates' and Teachers' constituencies, making Ghaziabad a key campaigning stop for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). CM Adityanath framed the BJP's record as one of 'uniformity' and 'equitable framework' under the vision of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas', directly contrasting it with what he alleged was the SP's selective and chaotic governance. The SP has not yet publicly responded to these specific allegations. With the elections approaching, the political temperature in western Uttar Pradesh is expected to rise further in the coming days.