On the anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay’s passing, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offered floral tributes to the Bharatiya Jana Sangh’s founding member and the visionary behind Antyodaya and Integral Humanism. He also took the opportunity to criticize the opposition, accusing them of indulging in negative politics and misleading narratives regarding the Mahakumbh.

Referring to the opposition leaders as lifelong VVIPs, CM Adityanath accused them of disseminating false information about the Mahakumbh, asserting that the event is occurring with unprecedented grandeur and devotion, reflecting India’s rich cultural heritage.

While recalling Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya’s ideals, the CM underscored his vision for the upliftment of society’s most marginalized groups. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP’s double-engine government is transforming that vision into reality,” he asserted. Adityanath emphasized that Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya believed a nation’s progress is measured not by the wealth of the privileged but by the well-being of its most disadvantaged citizens. Inspired by this philosophy, PM Modi introduced the concept of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,’ aiming for inclusive development for all.

Critiquing previous governments for their empty promises on poverty alleviation, CM Adityanath pointed out that poverty only increased during their tenure. In contrast, he praised the Modi government for empowering the underprivileged through initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, toilet construction, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Ayushman Bharat. “Over the past 11 years, these transformative programs have benefited 4 crore poor families with housing, constructed 12 crore toilets, provided 10 crore free gas connections, and ensured free rations for 80 crore people,” he stated. These initiatives are a testament to the realization of Antyodaya—uplifting the most deprived individuals in society.

Chief Minister Adityanath robustly refuted the opposition’s negative claims about the Mahakumbh, highlighting that an extraordinary 45 crore devotees have participated in the holy dip at the Sangam in Prayagraj in just 29 days. He noted that, apart from India and China, no other country has such a vast population, making this gathering an exceptional spiritual event. He dismissed any perceptions linking the Mahakumbh to VIP privileges, stressing that it represents the convergence of faith and harmony, where devotees unite in reverence across all divides of caste, religion, language, and region.

He condemned those attempting to spread disinformation, claiming that these individuals have long benefitted from VVIP treatment, pursuing opportunities for their descendants while opposing India’s cultural and spiritual traditions. “These are the people who have consistently undermined Sanatan Dharma,” he asserted.

Additionally, CM Adityanath addressed the opposition’s negative politics regarding development projects, accusing them of consistently obstructing progress by finding faults in every new initiative. He illustrated this point with an analogy: “When a pipeline is laid, roads may temporarily be dug up, but once completed, people reap lasting benefits.” He further pointed out the absurdity of their criticism about housing schemes: “When we provide homes to 4 crore people, they complain that many are still unaddressed—let me clarify, 3 crore more houses have already been approved.”

The CM also criticized past governments for their hollow promises related to poverty alleviation, asserting that they only exacerbated the issue, while the Modi government genuinely empowered the poor through effective welfare schemes, yielding real results rather than empty slogans.

Chief Minister Adityanath portrayed Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya as a guiding force who advocated for Antyodaya—the upliftment of the most marginalized. He emphasized Upadhyaya’s belief that the welfare of society’s least fortunate should be at the heart of political initiatives—a vision that is now taking form. The world is witnessing the efficacy of Integral Humanism, a philosophy that promotes inclusive development.

He reiterated Upadhyaya’s view that collective progress is vital, asserting that mere proximity without genuine unity results in loneliness and alienation, a sentiment that resonates within societal dynamics. As divisions hinder progress, the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership aims to ensure that development reaches every segment of society.

Reflecting on the ongoing significance of Upadhyaya’s ideals, the CM expressed the government’s commitment to fulfilling his vision and realizing the dream of an inclusive and prosperous India.