Gorakhpur: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday called upon intellectuals and opinion leaders to inform the younger generation about the condition of the state a decade ago and the changes achieved in recent years. He said the youth should be reminded of the period marked by riots, curfews, lawlessness, and appeasement politics to ensure such circumstances do not return.Speaking at the ‘Prabuddh Samvad’ programme organised by the BJP’s Rapti Nagar Mandal in Gorakhpur, Yogi Adityanath said many youngsters today are too young to remember the condition of Uttar Pradesh before 2017. He said that unless the current generation is informed about the state’s past challenges, they may forget the impact of misgovernance and appeasement-driven politics.The chief minister alleged that before 2017 the state suffered from “goondaism, corruption, anarchy and exploitation by regional parties”. “Traders were forced to pay goonda tax, women felt unsafe and employment opportunities were limited, forcing many youths to migrate outside the state,” he added.Highlighting changes under the present govt, Yogi said Uttar Pradesh now offers development, security and employment opportunities. Referring to Gorakhpur, he said: “Fertiliser plant has resumed operations, AIIMS Gorakhpur is functioning successfully and BRD Medical College has improved healthcare services. Industrial projects worth Rs 15,000 crore have generated jobs for nearly 50,000 youths in eastern Uttar Pradesh.”Calling intellectuals the “opinion makers of society”, Yogi said teachers, doctors, advocates and entrepreneurs had a responsibility to guide people in the right direction. He urged citizens to remain balanced during both favourable and challenging times.He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying India had emerged as a global inspiration under his leadership. Referring toglobal tensions and rising fuel prices, Yogi appealed to people to conserve fuel and adopt alternatives such as solar energy, public transport, electric vehicles and carpooling.BOXDon’t dump plastic, household waste into drains: CMGorakhpur: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday appealed to people not to dump plastic, polythene and household waste into drains, saying public participation is essential to keep cities clean, healthy and free from seasonal diseases.Addressing a gathering after inspecting development projects worth more than Rs 495 crore, the chief minister said his govt had consistently focused on resolving civic problems in the city, particularly waterlogging, mosquito-related issues and diseases that emerge during and after the monsoon season.He said development becomes possible when people and the govt work collectively.“When there is a collective effort, development takes place,” he said, while urging residents to stop using plastic and refrain from throwing polythene bags, clothes and domestic waste into drains and canals.“Do not throw household garbage over drains. If we all contribute towards this work, our city will remain beautiful and healthy. It will remain protected from diseases, and both the present and future generations will remain safe,” he said.
