Virendra Singh Rawat / Lucknow
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath today contrasted the ongoing food crisis in Pakistan to that of the free food grain distribution to nearly 800 million people in India.
Addressing a public meeting in Kaushambi district, Yogi said while people in Pakistan are struggling to get two square meals a day, India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to provide free ration to more than 800 million people over the past three years.
“The world sees India as an example of how governments should function. All Indians are getting the benefit of the development schemes without any discrimination. India is scaling new heights of prosperity while efforts are also being made to nurture a secure environment in the nation,” he noted.
The CM along with union home minister Amit Shah was in town to inaugurate Kaushambi Mahotsav 2023. On the occasion, several development projects were launched and local players feted with ‘Sansad Khel Spardha’ award.
He said Kaushambi was one of the 16 ‘Mahajanapadas’ associated with the Buddhist tradition. “During the Ramayan era, Lord Ram spent a night here while traveling through the forest. This area has an ancient connect to the mythological and historical traditions, as well as the ‘Shakti Peeth’ heritage.”
Observing that the ‘double-engine government’ is building a playground in every village and a mini stadium in every block, he said, “We are getting a stadium constructed at the district level on a war footing…to realise the dream of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat,’ every gram panchayat, every municipality and every district should celebrate its foundation day.”
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Meanwhile, Yogi and Shah jointly inaugurated and laid the foundation of 117 developmental projects worth more than Rs 612 crore.