PM and CM showering blessings in Azamgarh: CM Yogi

**Azamgarh/Lucknow, March 10:** Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that what was once a stronghold of crime and mafia activities in Azamgarh, seven years ago, is now witnessing the Prime Minister 'showering blessings.' He has arrived here to bestow gifts worth thousands of crores on various development projects. The CM expressed gratitude to the PM for not only providing a better security environment but also for connecting Azamgarh with development, modern infrastructure, and welfare schemes within ten years. He assured that Azamgarh, Lalgunj, and Ghosi will align with the voice of 'Modi government' once again in 2024.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was addressing a gathering at the inauguration and foundation-laying ceremony of 782 development projects worth ₹34,700 crores at Manduri Airport premises in Azamgarh on Sunday.

*Transforming Eastern UP's economy with the Purvanchal Expressway*

The CM said that the Purvanchal Expressway, built at a cost of more than ₹22,000 crores, has become the cornerstone of Azamgarh's development. It has given a new identity to the economy of Eastern UP. Azamgarh residents can now reach Lucknow in just two hours. The inauguration of Azamgarh airport by the Prime Minister will also mark the beginning of air services. Due to the efforts of the double-engine government, UP is set to receive five new airports with excellent facilities. The Prime Minister had stated that someone wearing slippers will travel in an airplane; today, this is evident within UP and the country. From having just two operational airports before, UP now boasts nine operational airports, with the PM inaugurating five new ones today.

The CM mentioned that after decades of demand, Azamgarh will have its own university, and the inauguration of the university named after Maharaja Suhel Dev, who shook the invaders with his valor and bravery a thousand years ago, will also be done under the PM's initiatives.

*From being feared by its name to being known for development, Azamgarh*

The CM mentioned that the double-engine government has enhanced the cultural identity of Azamgarh by promoting the music academy program in Hariharpur and showcasing local products as a district, a product, to gain recognition globally for self-reliant India. Even the famous black pottery and silk saris of Mubarakpur are gaining new recognition within seven years. An Atal Residential School has also been built for the children of laborers. Earlier, people used to be scared by the name of Azamgarh, but now it is becoming known for art, education, literature, and development worldwide. Thanks to the capable guidance and leadership of Prime Minister Modi, Azamgarh has received a new identity.

*PM gifting billions before Holi*

The CM mentioned that the country is witnessing the vision of New India. New gifts of railways and national highways are also being received within the state. Before Holi, the residents of UP are receiving billions of rupees as gifts. Azamgarh has emerged as an important place between Kashi and Gorakhpur. Azamgarh can now receive a new identity through important development plans. Over the last ten years, with the guidance of the PM and the efforts of the double-engine government in the state over the last seven years, development and welfare schemes have rapidly increased.

*UP's Chief narrates Azamgarh's development saga*

The CM mentioned that the double-engine government is providing the benefits of non-discriminatory governance plans to every village, poor, youth, and farmer. The government under the double-engine is concerned about the livelihood of the youth and respects faith. While providing a better security environment, it is also working towards prosperity. In Azamgarh district alone, 1.13 million Ayushman cards have been issued, benefiting over seven lakh farmers from the Farmers' Honor Fund with ₹1,940 crores. Three lakh beneficiaries have received free cooking gas connections under the Ujjwala scheme. Under the PM Awas Yojana (Rural), 110,000 beneficiaries and 17,000 beneficiaries in urban areas have been provided housing in Azamgarh. More than 420,000 households have been connected to the 'Har Ghar Jal' scheme under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Cleanliness campaign has provided toilets to 520,000 families. Under the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme, tablets-laptops have been distributed to one lakh youth in Azamgarh.

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, BJP State President Chaudhary Bhupendra Singh, State Government Ministers Surya Pratap Shahi, AK Sharma, Om Prakash Rajbhar, Yogendra Upadhyay, Dara Singh Chauhan, and Azamgarh MP Dinesh Lal Yadav 'Nirahua' were present on the occasion.