Uttar Pradesh Making a New Mark in 21st Century India, Says PM Modi in Lucknow

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that Uttar Pradesh is making a distinct mark in India in the 21st century, asserting that the state is now being recognised for development rather than poor governance and law-and-order issues.

The Prime Minister made the remarks while inaugurating the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal in Lucknow on the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. During the event, Modi unveiled statues of Vajpayee, Syama Prasad Mookerjee, and Deendayal Upadhyaya.

Addressing the gathering, Modi said Uttar Pradesh’s transformation reflects a broader shift in governance and public perception. He said the state, once frequently associated with administrative challenges, is now discussed nationally for infrastructure growth, economic activity, and improved governance.

In a sharp political attack on the Congress, the Prime Minister alleged that after Independence, efforts were made to attribute the nation’s progress to a single political family. He accused what he described as a “royal family” of attempting to sideline the legacy of leaders such as B. R. Ambedkar and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Modi said his government believes in recognising the contributions of all national leaders, irrespective of political affiliations. He cited initiatives such as the renaming of islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago after Subhas Chandra Bose and the construction of the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya to honour every former Prime Minister of India.

Highlighting the significance of December 25, Modi said Vajpayee’s legacy continues to inspire India’s democratic and developmental journey. He added that institutions like the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal aim to educate future generations about leaders who played key roles in shaping the nation.

The event was attended by senior political leaders and officials from Uttar Pradesh, marking a major commemorative occasion for the state and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.