Yogi Adityanath Accuses Former SP Government of Shielding Mafia, Highlights Law and Order Gains in Uttar Pradesh Assembly

Lucknow, December 26: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP) during the winter session of the state assembly, accusing its previous government of surrendering to mafia groups and criminal elements instead of enforcing the law. Speaking during a discussion on the supplementary budget on the final day of the session, Adityanath said the situation of law and order in the state before 2017 was marked by chaos, fear, and insecurity. Addressing members of the House, the chief minister said that lawlessness was widespread when the SP was in power, and the government at the time lacked the courage to act against powerful criminal networks. He alleged that instead of protecting ordinary citizens, the SP leadership bowed before the mafia, allowing crime and disorder to flourish across the state. According to him, this failure created an identity crisis for Uttar Pradesh and eroded public trust in governance. In contrast, Adityanath claimed that the BJP-led government had brought a decisive change since coming to power in 2017. He said that riots, curfews, and large-scale violence, once common in the state, had now become a thing of the past. Emphasising improved public safety, he told the House that people in Uttar Pradesh were now living in an environment of peace and security. Targeting the political future of the Samajwadi Party, the chief minister said the party would have to wait until 2047 to return to power in Uttar Pradesh. He added that even its position as the main opposition party after the 2027 assembly elections was uncertain. To underline his point, Adityanath quoted a couplet by poet Shahab Jafari, suggesting that instead of diverting attention, the opposition should explain its role in past incidents of violence and crime. Referring to the 2005 Raju Pal murder case, Adityanath said that despite Puja Pal, the victim’s wife, winning an assembly election on an SP ticket, justice was not delivered during the SP regime. He stated that Raju Pal belonged to the PDA community and alleged that the SP government failed to act because it feared the mafia involved in the case. This, he said, showed the lack of political will to ensure justice. The chief minister also stressed that his government did not discriminate while providing security or justice. He said protection would be extended even to opposition leaders if required, mentioning that sitting SP MLA Vijma Yadav would also receive security. According to him, law and order decisions were not influenced by political affiliation. Responding to criticism over bulldozer actions taken by the government, Adityanath said encroachments on government land, heritage sites, and monuments would not be tolerated, regardless of who was responsible. He asserted that government land belonged to the poor and not to the mafia. He announced probes into alleged encroachments on Gandhi Smarak land in Meerut and Siddharthnagar districts. During his address, the chief minister also highlighted development achievements under his government. He said the Noida International Airport at Jewar was expected to become operational in January, making it the fifth international airport in the state. He noted that Uttar Pradesh had seen major growth in infrastructure, including expressways, railways, airports, and waterways, over the past eight years. Adityanath concluded his speech by reiterating his government’s commitment to development, justice, and security. Ending on a poetic note, he said that despite challenges, steady steps forward would ensure that the dreams of progress and good governance for Uttar Pradesh were Yogi Adityanath Accuses Former SP Government of Shielding Mafia, Highlights Law and Order Gains in Uttar Pradesh Assembly Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday strongly criticised the previous Samajwadi Party (SP) government during a discussion on the supplementary budget in the state assembly. He alleged that before 2017, the state was facing severe lawlessness as the SP government failed to act against mafia groups and criminal elements. According to him, instead of enforcing the law, the earlier regime bowed before powerful criminals, which led to fear, unrest, and an identity crisis for Uttar Pradesh. Speaking on the last day of the winter session, Adityanath said the situation has changed significantly under the BJP-led government. He claimed that riots, curfews, and large-scale violence, once common in the state, have now stopped. The chief minister said his government has ensured peace and security for citizens, adding that law and order decisions are taken without political bias. Targeting the SP’s political future, Yogi said the party would have to wait until 2047 to return to power in Uttar Pradesh. He also questioned whether the SP would even retain the status of the main opposition party after the 2027 assembly elections. Referring to the 2005 Raju Pal murder case, he said justice was denied during the SP rule despite Puja Pal winning an election on an SP ticket, claiming the government lacked the courage to act against the mafia. Responding to criticism over bulldozer action, the chief minister said encroachments on government land, monuments, and heritage sites would not be tolerated, no matter who is involved. He announced probes into alleged encroachments on Gandhi Smarak land in Meerut and Siddharthnagar. Yogi Adityanath also highlighted development work in the state, saying the Noida International Airport at Jewar is expected to become operational in January. He said Uttar Pradesh has seen major growth in expressways, railways, airports, and connectivity, reflecting the government’s focus on development, safety, and good governance.