Uttar Pradesh's image has undergone a drastic transformation over the last nine years, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Sunday, June 14, 2026, asserting the state has emerged from its "BIMARU" tag to become a growth engine of the national economy.

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating and laying the foundation stones of 226 development projects worth more than ₹926 crore in Gorakhpur, Mr. Adityanath said, "Replacing the earlier perception marked by suspicion and an identity crisis, the residents of Uttar Pradesh are now greeted with 'Jai Shri Ram' and get respect across the country." "The Uttar Pradesh in which you are living today no longer faces an identity crisis. People respect you now," Mr. Adityanath said, adding that "Today, 25 crore people of Uttar Pradesh are moving forward with pride in their identity." The state, while marching forward on the path of development, is respecting its faith, its traditions and ancestors, he said, adding that Uttar Pradesh has overcome its earlier image as a backward state.

"Earlier, Uttar Pradesh was counted among the 'BIMARU' states. Today it has moved away from that condition and emerged as the growth engine of the country's economy. It has demonstrated its strength and potential to the entire nation," he said.

He credited infrastructure development for the state's transformation, saying the state now boasts the country's best expressway network, a rapidly expanding railway system, air connectivity, metro projects and improved interstate connectivity.

"New power plants are coming up, industries are being established and modern technology is being implemented effectively across Uttar Pradesh," he said, adding that "This is the new Uttar Pradesh of a new India." Without naming previous governments, Mr. Adityanath said the state was steadily progressing while preserving its cultural and spiritual heritage.

Speaking specifically about Gorakhpur, Mr. Adityanath said the city had witnessed a significant change in law and order and development over the years.

"There was a time when Gorakhpur lacked basic facilities. People were afraid of the very name of Gorakhpur, as if it were synonymous with 'atank' (terror). Daughters feared stepping out of their homes in the evening," he said.

The chief minister also launched the second phase of the State Nutrition Mission and stressed the importance of maternal and child health, particularly during the first 1,000 days of a child's life.

"We have to understand that if childhood is secure, the future will also be secure. If childhood is strong, the future will be strong. To strengthen childhood, malnutrition among pregnant women must be addressed," he said.

"When the mother is healthy, the child will also be healthy. The first 1,000 days of a child's life play a crucial role in laying the foundation for his or her future," Mr. Adityanath added.

He said proper care during this period strengthens not only a family but also society and the nation.

"That child does not belong only to a family. He or she represents the future of society and the entire nation. Therefore, we must ensure proper arrangements for the child's upbringing during those first 1,000 days," he said.