Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday emphasized the importance of cultural heritage and development during his address at the 23rd Hindustan Times Leadership Summit. Reflecting on his eight-year tenure as the state’s chief executive, Adityanath highlighted the completion of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya as one of the defining achievements of his political career and underscored the government’s efforts to promote law and order, infrastructure development, and economic growth across the state.

When asked about movements by Hindu groups in Varanasi and Mathura advocating for temple construction, particularly in the wake of the completion of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Adityanath said, “We will reach all the places, and we have already reached.” He stressed that any society should feel a sense of pride in its heritage and that efforts to preserve and celebrate it had already begun. He expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court for its verdict on the Ayodhya dispute, describing the ruling as “the biggest victory of Indian democracy” due to its acceptance by all stakeholders.

Adityanath elaborated on the iconic moment of his tenure—the construction of the Ram Temple. He recalled that the foundation stone ceremony, conducted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marked a historic milestone after 500 years, culminating in the “Dharam Dhwaj” being hoisted. “I have three generations associated with the movement,” he said, reflecting on the personal and political significance of the project. Following the “praan pratistha” ritual, Ayodhya witnessed a massive surge in pilgrim visits, with over 240 million devotees coming to the city. During major festivals, the city hosts 3.5–4 million visitors, while on regular days, footfall ranges between 100,000 and 150,000.

The chief minister also addressed slogans circulating during the Ram Mandir movement, such as “abhi Ayodhya kee baari hai, Kashi, Mathura baaki hai” (“it’s Ayodhya’s turn, Kashi and Mathura are next”), stating that the government aims to reach all culturally significant sites. He reiterated that preserving heritage is integral to societal pride and that government efforts in this direction have already commenced.

Beyond cultural and religious achievements, Adityanath focused on the broader developmental vision for Uttar Pradesh. He set ambitious economic targets, aiming for the state to achieve a $1-trillion economy by 2029-30 and to grow further to $6 trillion by 2047. He attributed the state’s developmental progress to improvements in law and order, which he described as a prerequisite for attracting investment and fostering economic growth.

Adityanath highlighted the zero-tolerance policy adopted by his administration toward crime and corruption. “The earth should be freed of the burden of some people. This freedom is not for the earth alone, but also for the people themselves,” he said, emphasizing the government’s firm stance on criminal activity. On women’s safety, he warned that any threat would be met decisively, reflecting his administration’s prioritization of security and citizen dignity. “If someone plays with the safety of our daughter, then a ‘Yamaraj’ will be waiting for them at the next crossroads,” he remarked.

Infrastructure development has been another pillar of Adityanath’s governance. The chief minister detailed ongoing and upcoming projects, including expressways, metros, and airports, which aim to enhance connectivity and promote economic growth. He cited the new Noida Jewar Airport as a flagship project, set to open in the next two months. The airport is designed to handle 12 million passengers in its first phase and is planned to expand capacity to 120 million by 2050, positioning Uttar Pradesh as a hub for domestic and international air travel.

Housing reform, public safety, and urban development were also highlighted. Adityanath underscored his government’s commitment to improving citizens’ quality of life while maintaining stringent law and order. He argued that the state’s safety reforms, coupled with the zero-tolerance approach toward corruption and crime, have created an environment conducive to investment and long-term development.

Reflecting on his eight years in office, Adityanath noted that Uttar Pradesh has undergone significant transformation. He emphasized that prior to his tenure, the state faced challenges in maintaining law and order, which impeded economic progress. “To change this, we adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards crime and criminals, towards corruption and the corrupt, and I am happy to say there is a big improvement in law and order,” he said. The administration’s approach has included targeting mafia operations with a “one district, one product” policy to boost local economies while curbing organized crime.

Adityanath also stressed the government’s focus on delivering justice efficiently. He noted that citizens seek timely justice, regardless of the complexity of legal procedures. The administration has reportedly adopted a hands-on approach to prevent delays and ensure accountability, particularly against criminal networks that previously operated with impunity.

On the topic of heritage and cultural pride, Adityanath reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining India’s historical and religious landmarks. He argued that heritage preservation not only strengthens social cohesion but also promotes tourism and economic growth. According to him, celebrating and safeguarding heritage sites allows citizens to connect with their history while reinforcing national identity.

Throughout his speech, Adityanath linked cultural pride with development, asserting that progress in law and order, infrastructure, and economic policy is interdependent with societal stability and respect for heritage. He suggested that Uttar Pradesh’s economic targets, ambitious infrastructure projects, and social reforms would collectively contribute to a state that is self-reliant, prosperous, and culturally vibrant by 2047, coinciding with India’s centenary of independence.

The chief minister concluded by emphasizing that his government’s policies are aimed at creating a secure, prosperous, and inclusive Uttar Pradesh. He underscored that investments in infrastructure, tourism, and industrial growth, coupled with strong law enforcement, will transform the state into a model for development while honoring its cultural and religious heritage.

In summary, Yogi Adityanath’s address at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit provided a comprehensive overview of his administration’s achievements and ambitions. From the completion of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple to ambitious economic and infrastructure plans, the chief minister highlighted a vision that intertwines heritage, governance, and development. With a focus on law and order, women’s safety, and citizen dignity, the administration seeks to ensure that Uttar Pradesh evolves into a state that embodies both cultural pride and modern progress.