On the special occasion of National Handloom Day in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while enumerating his government’s significant achievements in promoting the indigenous, handloom, and handicraft industries, also launched a scathing attack on the opposition Samajwadi Party. Indirectly targeting SP President Akhilesh Yadav, CM Yogi said that under previous governments, the state lacked development, but was dominated by vote bank politics and dynastic politics.
The Chief Minister sarcastically remarked that in earlier times, “Babua” would wake up very late, and parties would be organized by evening. How could he be concerned about the state’s development? He reminded that August 7th is not only National Handloom Day, but also a historic day in India’s freedom movement. On this date in 1905, the Swadeshi Movement gave a new direction to the country’s freedom struggle, uniting the entire country from north to south and east to west, further strengthening the resolve for independence.
The livelihoods of millions are linked to the handloom and handicraft industry.
Continuing his address, CM Yogi said that handlooms are an important part of Uttar Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage. Today, approximately 250,000 families in the state are directly involved in the handloom industry, and if the powerloom sector is included, the livelihoods of approximately 3 million people depend on this sector. He explained that the state government has launched several excellent schemes to honor and economically encourage these hardworking artisans and weavers of the country. Last year alone, the government provided electricity to approximately 40,000 artisans, amounting to ₹109 crore.
Recalling the past, the Chief Minister said that before 2017, Bhadohi’s renowned carpet industry had nearly collapsed and was completely defunct. However, today, carpets from Bhadohi are making waves in the global market, generating exports worth crores of rupees. Even during the construction of the country’s new Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had stated that Bhadohi carpets would be given special priority. The government’s primary focus is to ensure that the country’s funds are spent on skilled artisans, bringing prosperity and happiness to their lives.
“Some people remain ‘Babua’ (boys) all their lives,” a dig at Akhilesh Yadav
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Yogi, without naming anyone, directly attacked Samajwadi Party National President Akhilesh Yadav. He quipped that certain words remain associated with some people throughout their lives, and some remain ‘babua’ (boys) despite advancing age.
He further said sarcastically, “They used to wake up at 12 noon, get ready by 2 pm, go to the gym at 5 pm, and their party would be ready by 7 pm. How would those who are not free from their daily routine have time to think about the people of the state?”
Bringing UP out of a period of riots, curfews, and misery
Chief Minister Yogi attacked the previous governments, saying that due to this poor working style and irresponsible attitude, the entire state of Uttar Pradesh was plagued by serious problems like riots, prolonged curfews, encephalitis, and dengue. During that period, the condition of government schools was extremely poor, with no clean drinking water or proper toilets.
But today, the picture of government schools has changed, with children receiving free bags, books, and all modern amenities. Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious “Nipun Bharat” campaign has been implemented very effectively in the state.
The government’s special emphasis on women’s safety and development
In his address, the Chief Minister also recalled the dire state of electricity, roads, and law and order in the state before 2017. At that time, businesspeople and women felt completely unsafe. He alleged that at that time, development work was neglected and only vote-bank politics was pursued, with the state’s poor, artisans, and handicraft workers bearing the brunt of it.
He proudly stated that today, approximately 70 percent of women are working diligently in the handloom and handicraft sector. Due to the safe and improved environment for women in the state, they are also reaping significant benefits and self-reliance from this sector.