UP CM Yogi Adityanath on Maha Kumbh, $1 trillion economy, vision for 2027 polls & more | Top quotes

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, in an exclusive interview to Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi, talked about wide-ranging topics. The chief minister discussed about ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj to the future of Uttar Pradesh. CM Adityanath also expressed his views on the charges labelled by the opposition about law and order in the state and the upcoming polls in Delhi.

Here are the top quotes by Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath:

On UP becoming 1 trillion economy
CM Yogi Adityanath said that Uttar Pradesh will be a $1 trillion economy by 2029 and work is being done to achieve that milestone soon. "Despite the impact of Covid-19, we have managed to double the state’s economy over the last 7-8 years and are on track to meet this target,” the senior BJP leader said.

On Maha Kumbh mela
Yogi Adityanath, on organising the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, said that the massive gathering of people puts out the message of India's unity. The chief minister also said that it is estimated that the 45-day event will be attended by 40-45 crore devotees which will be equal to the third largest population of the world and give the message of national unity.“There is only one message of Mahakumbh which is of unity and integrity. If we carry the message of unity then Sanatan Dharma will be strong and if Sanatan Dharma is strong then the country will be strong," said Yogi Adityanath.

On spiritual tourism
Yogi Adityanath said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi understood the potential of spiritual tourism of India. The work of Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Mahakumbh, and Ram temple in Ayodhya, are all part of this vision. This provided opportunities to the people and strengthened the economy.

On UP getting an economic boost through Maha Kumbh Mela
UP CM Adityanath emphasised that the Rs 7,500 crore expenditure covers more than just the Maha Kumbh Mela -- extending to the development of highways, railways, airports, and infrastructure in Prayagraj. "Whatever you are seeing, this is going to bring a growth of Rs 2 lakh crore in the economy of UP", CM said.

Yogi’s attack on Opposition
Yogi Adityanath alleged that the opposition INDIA bloc, with the help of foreign money, tried to spread misinformation. The UP CM said that the common man realised about the propaganda only after the elections had ended. Attacking the Opposition further, the chief minister said that those who roam around with a copy of the Constitution are the same people who have worked to strangle the Constitution and they will not be able to survive in Indian politics.

On 'batoge toh katoge' remark
Yogi Adityanath revealed that he gave the slogan during the Haryana elections last year. “I had the opportunity to visit Mathura during the Haryana elections. I was in Mathura at night and in the morning I had the opportunity to unveil the statue of Durgadas Rathore in Agra,” Adityanath said. He revealed that it was during this period that he came up with the slogan.

Yogi's challenge to Kejriwal
Yogi Adityanath, taking a jibe at AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, challenged him to take a dip in river Yamuna in Delhi. Adityanath said that people can take a bath in Yamuna in Prayagraj and claimed the AAP government in Delhi had betrayed the people of Delhi as the river is polluted in the national capital.

Yogi Adityanath on welfare scheme
Yogi Adityanath believes there is no harm in implementing a welfare scheme but it would be better if it was based on performance.

On vote bank politics
The Uttar Pradesh chief minister said that one should remain alert against someone who is trying to change the demography. “They (Delhi govt) settled Bangladeshi infiltrators, Rohingyas in the national capital. These Bangladeshi infiltrators are being given Aadhaar cards through Aadhaar-making machines in the houses of Aam Aadmi Party leaders,” he charged.

False claims in the name of Waqf are increasing
Yogi Adityanath said that after their (Waqf) claims started coming in, revenue records were seen and their arguments were found to be false. “That is why we said that do not make the Waqf Board a mafia board otherwise the Mafia Task Force of UP will start taking action against it,” he said. "We have amended the rules of the UP Waqf Board and have made a provision that we will take out the old revenue records and take action accordingly," said UP CM.