Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Tuesday that Pandit  Deendayal Upadhyay was the visionary behind Antyodaya, as he advocated for ‘Har haath ko kaam, har khet ko paani’ (work for every hand, water for every field).

Unveiling the statue of Upadhyay in Barabanki’s Vijay Park on the eve of his birth anniversary, Yogi said, “After independence, the government of the time must have struggled with the direction India should take. However, it was during this period that a new luminary in Indian politics emerged—Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay. He entered the political arena soon after independence, first through the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and later with the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. His visionary ideas on India’s social and economic policies, as well as its political system, remain relevant even today both within the Indian and the global context.”

The chief minister also inaugurated and toured an exhibition showcasing the life of Upadhyay at the Government Inter College.

Yogi remarked that Upadhyay, while discussing ‘Antyodaya’, emphasised that the measure of economic progress should not be based on those at the top, but on those at the bottom of society.

“Whether it is the BJP or other political parties, the focus on villages, the poor, farmers, and women has become part of the agenda. Government schemes are reaching all sections without discrimination, and the strongest advocate for this vision in independent India is none other than Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay,” he added.

Reaffirming that the NDA government, under the leadership of PM Modi, is fully committed to realising the dreams of Upadhyay envisioned seven decades ago, CM Yogi Adityanath stated, “Today, 80 crore people are receiving free ration. Twelve crore toilets have been constructed, and under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, health insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh is being provided. This journey of development is progressing steadily under PM Modi’s leadership, without any pause, compromise, or hesitation.”

Highlighting that Barabanki has become an important district of the State Capital Region, CM Yogi said, “Barabanki is now set to become an equal partner in development alongside Lucknow. With its inclusion in the region, residents of Barabanki will soon benefit from top-tier infrastructure and public transport facilities.”

Yogi remarked that Barabanki is fortunate to be located between Lucknow and Ayodhya Dham, ensuring it reaps the benefits of development from both sides.

He added, “The Religious Works and Culture-Tourism department will continuously work to give a new identity to the Lodheshwar Nath Mahadeva Temple. We are progressing towards creating a grand corridor for Mahadeva, similar to the Kashi Vishwanath Dham and Ayodhya Dham.”

CM Yogi stated that to honour the legacy of KD Singh Babu, a prominent figure from this region who transformed Hockey India’s identity on the global stage, the government has acquired his ancestral ‘kothi’.

“Plans are underway to construct a grand memorial for KD Singh Babu and Hockey India at this site. The government is committed to enhancing hockey-related performances and initiatives in the region,” he added.

Yogi emphasised that an industrial corridor will be developed near Ramsanehi Ghat, stating, “This initiative will create employment opportunities for thousands of youths in Barabanki. The district is making significant strides in industrial development, education, and supporting progressive farmers. Padma awardee Ramsharan Verma has established a notable reputation as a progressive farmer.”

Yogi said that the government has initiated an action plan for the optimal maintenance and strengthening of roads in the area.

Emphasising that every underprivileged family is benefiting from public welfare schemes such as housing, toilets, ration cards, and pensions, Yogi said, “In the near future, 10 lakh youths will be connected with the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyam Yojana. The government will cover the interest on loans of up to Rs 5 lakh for youths starting their enterprises. These 10 lakh youths will be able to create jobs for countless others.”

He further noted that the double speed of the double-engine government is transforming Uttar Pradesh into a new model of development and security.