The results of the high-voltage 2022 UP Assembly elections are out and the people of the state have given a thumping majority to the Yogi-Adityanath led BJP government. This massive mandate is seen as a thumbs-up for the governance rendered by CM Yogi Adityanath over the course of the past five years.
In a state with tricky demography, divided along religious and caste lines, the ruling BJP has broken a 37-years-old jinx by winning back-to-back assembly elections for the first time since 1985. Yogi Adityanath has also created a history by becoming the first chief minister ever in the state to be voted back after general elections. Hence, it becomes critical for us to understand reasons behind this huge victory:
1. Improved Law and Order situation
The most palpable change has been in the law-and-order situation in the state. The UP government has focused on police modernization, strengthening the Provincial Armed Constabulary companies and increasing the share of women personnel in Police.
The “Mafia Raj” has been reduced thanks to strict crackdown on and neutralizing of criminals as well as confiscation of their properties has led to safety and security of people of the state.
In cases related to crimes against women, UP has the highest conviction rate as per reports. This is because of new measures taken by the administration such as night security cover scheme, women help desks and UP-122 India App. There was also a widespread awareness campaign regarding women safety and setting up of cyber-cells aided the security of women.
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2. Improved social upliftment through welfare schemes
In the welfare arena, the government provided one crore new electricity connections, reduced theft of power and ensured at least 18-hours electricity in villages and 20 hours at tehsil level. During the COVID pandemic and associated lockdown, the government provided a free ration scheme. These schemes have massively benefitted the women in the state.
The Yogi-government cracked down on the exam cheating mafia via CCTV cameras, special task forces deployed during exams and removal of blacklisted exam centres, as per a report. This resulted in a much more transparent and fair education system.
The government launched Operation Kayakalp under which 92000 primary schools have benefitted with infrastructure upgrades such as boundary walls, electrification, toilets and clean drinking water, according to reports.
3. Massive investment in public health accessibility
The government has focused on infrastructure in the sector of health, culture and public transport. The INR1100-crore AIIMS Gorakhpur was inaugurated in 2021. 30 medical colleges opened in UP today under PM Swasthya Suraksha Yojana, up from 12 in 2016. 250 intermediate colleges and 77 degree colleges have been set up since 2017.
4. Massive Investment in infrastructure
The state’s economy has grown from INR11 lakh crore to INR 22 lakh crore in the past 4 years, as per media reports. This is because the state is building critical infrastructure to ensure easy movement of goods and services resulting in new investments in the state such as the INR20000 crore defence corridor which was mobilized in November 2021.
The first phase of the INR 13000 crore Kanpur metro, whose foundation stone was laid in October 2016, was inaugurated in December 2021. The Kushinagar Airport, which was stuck in red-tape for a long time, was swiftly finished and inaugurated, boosting local tourism and connecting the hinterland with major airports across the country.
The INR 700 crore Kashi Vishwanath Dham project, whose foundation stone was laid in 2019, was inaugurated in December 2021, another boost to cultural tourism.
The INR 11000 crore 340km long Purvanchal Expressway, longest in India, whose foundation stone was laid in July 2018, was completed in record time and was inaugurated in November 2021.
The INR 14716 crore 296km long Bundelkhand expressway, the foundation stone of which was laid in February 2020, will be reportedly inaugurated later this year.
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5. The Charisma of Modi and Yogi
The charisma of Modi and Yogi is one of the most critical factors behind BJP’s victory in UP. Both the leaders come from a humble background, both made their way up the ranks of the party through hard work and determination. Both lead a humble and frugal lifestyle. Both of them are unmarried and their respective families live simple and humble lives. Hence, the charges of alleged corruption which is usually associated with families of politicians commanding such popularity, does not apply to Modi and Yogi.
Both have an image of a tough administrator and are seen as ideologically uncompromised. In testing times such as during the COVID lockdown, both the leaders led from the front, in terms of spreading awareness, relief for the downtrodden in terms of ration and vaccine distribution, stamped their personality as competent, passionate leaders who care about their people.
