Uttar Pradesh has experienced a significant transition during the last nine years. It is now a state that offers a new model of development, security, investment, and welfare, having previously been characterised by bad law and order, migration, policy gridlock and inadequate infrastructure. These statements were expressed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at The Times of India’s “Defining 9 Years of Transformation: From Progress to Prosperity-Uttar Pradesh Leads Ahead” in Lucknow on Thursday.
He framed this journey as a generational shift in opportunity, governance and attitude rather than just an overhaul of administration. CM Yogi referred to the platform as a crucial venue for educating those who were kids before his government was formed and are now adults about the magnitude of the state’s transformation.
He stated that India used to be the largest economy worldwide, accounting for about 44-45% of global production for centuries. It was due to the fertile terrain, water resources, manufacturing prowess, traditional handicrafts, trade networks and pilgrimage-based tourism in the country.
आज लखनऊ में @timesofindia द्वारा आयोजित 'Defining 9 Years of Transformation: From Progress to Prosperity-Uttar Pradesh Leads Ahead' कॉन्क्लेव में सम्मिलित हुआ।
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) May 14, 2026
पूर्ण विश्वास है कि यह कॉन्क्लेव प्रदेश की परिवर्तनकारी विकास यात्रा के बारे में वर्तमान पीढ़ी को अवगत कराने के साथ ही… pic.twitter.com/cxIB4Lc0Vt
CM Yogi conveyed that the nation endured regular invasions, setbacks to invention and research and a decline in trust in indigenous systems over several years in the past; however, it persevered through centuries of exploitation and has now started its reawakening. He further emphasised that Uttar Pradesh shouldn’t ever be termed as a “bimaru state.”
However, over 10 years ago, it was notorious for its terrible rule of law, unemployment, farmer plight, trader exodus, periodic riots, crumbling industries and governance structure plagued by nepotism, corruption and policy paralysis.
The chief minister added, “The youth faced an identity crisis, farmers were driven to suicide, businesses were fleeing, and festivals had turned into flashpoints of violence. When the double-engine government was formed in 2017 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the situation was grim. The state treasury was strained, banks were reluctant to lend, development had stalled, and the annual budget stood at around Rs 2.5 lakh crore for a population of over 20 crores.”
According to him, the first month of his tenure was exclusively focused on creating objectives, daily review meetings, departmental presentations and extensive planning which established the groundwork for a “new Uttar Pradesh.” He admitted that tough choices had to be made, including a zero-tolerance policy for crime and corruption, strict enforcement against mafias, the elimination of appeasement politics and the development of transparent, industry-specific regulations.
Participating in the 'Defining 9 Years of Transformation: From Progress to Prosperity-Uttar Pradesh Leads Ahead’ conclave, organised by @timesofindia in Lucknow… https://t.co/FKV7VlJzI4
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) May 14, 2026
“We resolved that there would be no discrimination no favouritism based on caste, creed, region or language. Development would be for all, but policies that destroyed Uttar Pradesh would be kept at bay,” CM Yogi mentioned. He remarked that all 75 districts are currently witnessing positive results.
He then highlighted, “Power supply is uniform and uninterrupted across cities and 58,000-gram panchayats alike. Infrastructure has undergone a revolution UP now accounts for nearly 60% of the country’s expressway network, including the Purvanchal, Bundelkhand and Ganga Expressways.”
“Jewar, once associated with crime and unrest, has now become ‘India’s jewel’ with the country’s largest Noida International Airport which is set to commence commercial flight soon. The airport will emerge as a logistics hub and will host India’s first MRO facility. Urban mobility has expanded rapidly with metro services operating in multiple cities and the country’s first rapid rail running between Delhi and Meerut. Inland waterways now link Varanasi and Ayodhya, while four-lane road connectivity seamlessly connects UP to neighbouring states and Nepal,” CM Yogi pointed out.
He noted that the building of canals and tube wells, free irrigation on nearly 50 lakh hectares, availability of technology and guaranteed purchase at MSP have all contributed to the 18% boom in agriculture. He added, “Sugar mills, once stranded with unpaid dues, have been transformed into integrated sugar complexes producing ethanol, power and refined products. With 92% sugarcane payments completed this season, UP now leads the country in recovery rates.”
Over three crore people are employed by the approximately 96 lakh MSME units. Uttar Pradesh is the most sought-after investment location in India owing to its 75,000-acre land bank, strong law and order alongside specific strategies for 34 sectors. More than nine lakh government positions have been allocated publicly, supported by the nation’s strictest norms against exam paper leaks and nearly 65 lakh young people who previously migrated for job opportunities have found employment within the state.
Additionally, tourism has grown at an extraordinary rate. Over 66 crore devotees visited Prayagraj during last year’s Mahakumbh and the state received over 156 crore tourists in a single year, helping the local economy and service sector. Major welfare programs, including houses for 65 lakh low-income families, toilets for more than 2.6 crore households, free rations for 15 crore people, Ayushman Bharat health coverage for 10 crore beneficiaries and timely disaster relief, were brought up by CM Yogi.
From Rs 43,000 in 2017 to nearly Rs 1 lakh presently, the state’s per capita income has likewise tripled. While GSDP increased from Rs 12 lakh crore to Rs 36 lakh crore without enacting new taxes, the state budget has risen by more than Rs 9 lakh crore. Afterwards, the chief minister urged citizens to embrace renewable energy, public transportation, carpooling and biogas models connected to cow shelters in the face of global issues such as energy and supply interruptions.
“When the nation is secure and prosperous, every citizen is secure,” he observed and asserted that Uttar Pradesh has gotten rid of its former reputation. CM Yogi concluded, “Our youth now stand tall with pride. Where once they were viewed with suspicion, today they are welcomed with respect. This change is the true achievement of the last nine years.”
