Yogi Adityanath Declares UP Riot-Free, Calls Ram Temple The Turning Point For Massive Investment

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hailed the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya as the "biggest achievement" of his tenure during a session at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2025 on December 6, marking the 32nd anniversary of the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition, which he described as the removal of a "stain" that paved the way for lasting peace. Speaking in conversation with Hindustan Times Editor-in-Chief Shashi Shekhar, Adityanath credited the Supreme Court's 2019 verdict for enabling the temple's construction at the disputed site, noting that the decision was embraced peacefully across communities. He emphasized that December 6, historically a trigger for curfews and unrest in the state, passed without incident this year, underscoring Uttar Pradesh's transformation into a "riot-free" haven conducive to investment and growth.

Adityanath's remarks reflect a broader narrative of stability under his BJP-led government since 2017, where he claims to have dismantled the "one district, one mafia" syndrome that plagued previous administrations, replacing it with initiatives like "one district, one product" and "one district, one medical college." While official data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) indicates a decline in communal riots—from 8,990 riot cases in 2017 to 5,302 in 2021—critics point to 195 incidents of communal violence in 2017 alone as evidence of persistent challenges. Nonetheless, Adityanath positioned this law-and-order overhaul as the bedrock for economic revival, stating that a secure environment is the "first prerequisite" for attracting investors, a sentiment echoed in his zero-tolerance policies against crime and encroachments.

The Ram Temple's inauguration in January 2024 has indeed catalyzed Ayodhya's economic surge, drawing over 160 million visitors in the year compared to 57.5 million in 2023, according to Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department figures. This influx is projected to generate ₹18,000 crore in tourism revenue for Ayodhya by 2028, contributing 25% to the state's overall ₹70,000 crore tourism economy. State-backed investments exceeding ₹85,000 crore under the Ayodhya Master Plan 2031 have spurred infrastructure upgrades, including new highways, airports, and over 150 hotels, boosting local businesses by three to four times and elevating the district's GDP share. Adityanath highlighted how such developments align with Uttar Pradesh's ambition to become a $1 trillion economy, with tourism alone potentially adding ₹4 lakh crore annually to state revenues.

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Responding to queries on similar disputes, Adityanath affirmed that his government is advancing temple constructions in Kashi (Varanasi) and Mathura, declaring, "We will reach there too—we have reached," in line with ongoing judicial and administrative efforts. These projects, he argued, not only resolve historical grievances but also foster communal harmony, as evidenced by the peaceful reception of the Ayodhya verdict. The CM's vision extends beyond religious sites, integrating them into a development framework that promotes cultural tourism and interfaith dialogue, positioning Uttar Pradesh as a model for balanced progress.

Looking ahead to 'Viksit Bharat 2047'—India's goal of becoming a developed nation by its centennial independence year—Adityanath outlined Uttar Pradesh's role as a growth engine, with upcoming milestones like the Noida International Airport (Jewar) opening in two months to enhance connectivity. He stressed that sustained peace has reversed the state's image from a "seemant zila" (marginal district) to a hub of festivals and innovation, attracting global investors and aligning with national priorities in manufacturing, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure.

Adityanath's address at the summit, attended by dignitaries including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, reinforces the BJP's narrative of cultural resurgence fueling economic ambition, though it invites scrutiny on inclusivity amid ongoing debates over communal tensions. As Uttar Pradesh eyes exponential growth, the Ram Temple stands not just as a spiritual landmark but as a symbol of the state's pivot toward sustainable prosperity.

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