Gorakhpur

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Samajwadi Party, saying residents of Gorakhpur had to live amid insecurity, criminal influence and health challenges before 2017.

Addressing a public gathering after inaugurating a newly constructed two-lane bridge in the Taramandal area, Adityanath said the city’s image has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past several years.

“What was Gorakhpur known for before 2017? There was no sense of security. People were troubled by mafia activities and mosquitoes. Even hearing the name of Gorakhpur created fear, and investors stayed away,” he said.

The chief minister said local youth earlier had to travel across the country in search of employment and often felt compelled to conceal their identities.

“Today, they neither have to wander in search of work nor hide who they are. In Gorakhpur alone, industries under the Gorakhpur Industrial Development Authority have generated employment for more than 50,000 young people,” he said.

The 112-metre-long bridge, constructed by the Gorakhpur Development Authority at a cost of Rs 14.33 crore, connects two parts of the Taramandal locality that were previously divided by a water body.

Adityanath also highlighted several infrastructure projects undertaken in the city, including the presence of All India Institute of Medical Sciences Gorakhpur, the revival of the fertiliser plant, improvements in sugar industry infrastructure, tourism initiatives around Ramgarh Tal, and expansion in educational facilities.

Referring to Taramandal, he said the area was once considered unsuitable for settlement because of flooding and lack of civic amenities.

“Today, it has emerged as one of the most developed and premium residential areas in the city, and this bridge will further strengthen internal connectivity,” he said.

The chief minister also directed officials to develop the adjoining water body on the lines of Ramgarh Tal, with boating and recreational facilities for residents, children and visitors.

Ravi Kishan, who was present at the event, praised the chief minister’s leadership and said Gorakhpur has become an example of planned urban growth.

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During the visit, Adityanath also interacted with workers involved in the bridge’s construction and posed for photographs with them.