Lucknow

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday urged people to opt for swadeshi products, claiming that money spent on imported items is being used to destabilise the country.

Speaking during the launch of a new e-PoS-based commission system for fair price shop dealers in Lucknow, Adityanath hit out at the Samajwadi Party, accusing it of cheating the poor and of hunger deaths during their rule.

He said that under the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, 15 crore people are availing free ration facilities through the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.

"When money flows out of the country, a portion of it is often used to fuel terrorism and destabilise India," he said, asserting that a swadeshi campaign should begin at the village level.

"Strive to take local products to the global stage," he added.

The chief minister further claimed that under the previous Samajwadi Party rule, people in the state were dying of starvation.

"I remember what the situation was like before 2017. People used to die of starvation. Some SP worker or the other would keep the poor person's ration card at their own home, and the unfortunate person would die of hunger. That is not the situation today," Adityanath said.

"Arrangements are being made to deliver rations directly to the homes of destitute and persons with disabilities," he added.

He further said that free LPG connections were provided to two crore families, while free electricity connections have been provided to 1.53 crore families.

The CM also said 10,000 ration shops have been established as 'Annapurna Bhavans'.

"The previous government was engaged in plunder," he claimed, adding that after coming to power, he spoke to fair price shop dealers.

"I told them that along with rations, there were 39 types of items that they could stock and sell in their shop, like clothes, soap, toothpaste, oil, and so on. Previously, this was not permitted," he said.

Claiming that the Food and Civil Supplies Department has undergone extensive reform post 2017, Adityanath said not a "single complaint" regarding ration distribution was received.

He lauded the fair price shop dealers for distributing ration during the COVID-19 pandemic and urged them to become symbols of trust.

"Expedite construction of Annapurna Bhavans. The government would allocate the necessary funds for the construction of quality buildings and warehouses," he said.

The chief minister said that while ration distribution would take place over 7-10 days, the warehouses could be utilised for other activities during the remaining 20 days to generate additional income.

Prioritising local products such as those under the 'One District, One Product' (ODOP) scheme during festivals like Holi and Diwali would encourage local artisans and craftspeople, while also strengthening India's economy, he said.

Deputy CMs Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak were among those present on the occasion.

Later on X, Adityanath congratulated the UP people for participating in the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' mega-campaign with zeal and enthusiasm.

जब हमारा मुनाफा विदेशों में जाता है तो उसका एक हिस्सा हमारे खिलाफ आतंकवाद, नक्सलवाद और भारत को अस्थिर करने में खर्च होता है।

हमेशा जागरूक रहें और 'स्वदेशी' को प्राथमिकता दें... pic.twitter.com/07juTuAHtg

— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) August 17, 2026

In a letter addressed to the people of the state, shared on X, Adityanath said, "Today marks the grand culmination of the massive campaign to hoist the Tricolour across five crore households in Uttar Pradesh. Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the residents of the state who participated in the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' mega-campaign with zeal and enthusiasm."

He also urged the youth to rise above caste and take the path of unity and harmony.

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"Young friends, the momentous responsibility of nation-building through self-development rests upon your shoulders. It is through your energy, talent, discipline, and resolve that the goal of building a developed Uttar Pradesh will be realised. This youth power is Uttar Pradesh's greatest asset," Adityanath said.