By Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath celebrated Diwali in Gorakhpur on Sunday by meeting members of different communities, distributing festive gifts to sanitation workers and spending time with saints. During his visit, he also highlighted improvements in basic facilities in Vantangiya villages, which he said had faced decades of neglect.
Addressing residents of a Vantangiya village, Adityanath said people who once struggled to access basic necessities now had roads, electricity, drinking water, schools and healthcare facilities. He also pointed out that residents were now included in electoral rolls and could benefit from various government welfare schemes.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister visited settlements inhabited by the Nishad and Dalit communities. He interacted with sanitation workers and presented them with Diwali gifts as part of the festive celebrations. He also joined saints in celebrating the festival.
Speaking about the transformation of Vantangiya villages, Adityanath said their residents had remained deprived of basic facilities for several decades, even after India’s Independence in 1947. He alleged that successive governments had failed to address their concerns and ensure their inclusion in mainstream development.
Drawing a comparison with Lord Ram’s 14-year exile, he said the forest-dwelling communities had faced prolonged hardship and neglect under British rule as well as subsequent Congress and Samajwadi Party governments.
Adityanath also referred to the 56 Vantangiya villages in Uttar Pradesh, claiming that they had been left without proper government attention for years. He said that although the country became independent in 1947, these settlements had not experienced the benefits of freedom for a long time.
Emphasising his government’s approach to inclusive development, the Chief Minister said Uttar Pradesh’s population of nearly 25 crore should be treated as one family, regardless of caste, region or financial background.
He added that development should reach everyone, whether they live in villages or cities and irrespective of their economic circumstances. His remarks came during Diwali celebrations that included interactions with local communities and recognition of sanitation workers.
