Gorakhpur (UP), April 5 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday called upon BJP's young workers to remain vigilant and respond firmly, while maintaining decorum, to the negative narratives being spread by a frustrated and disheartened opposition on social media platforms.
"In view of the upcoming Assembly elections, the opposition would launch a fresh wave of fabricated allegations online, and BJP's booth-level teams must stay strong and prepared to counter and rebut such attacks," Adityanath said.
Adityanath was addressing the 'Yuva Samvad' programme organised by the BJP's city unit on Sunday.
Speaking at the event, he encouraged party workers, stating that the youth must focus on development while also respecting heritage.
"Just as soldiers remain alert to safeguard the nation's borders, party workers too must stay vigilant in their responsibilities," he said.
He emphasised that booth-level workers must actively promote the achievements of the double-engine government and remain alert at their respective booths.
The chief minister urged them to stay vigilant on social media as well, noting that those who once created an identity crisis for the youth of Uttar Pradesh, having failed on all fronts, will now resort to social media.
"They will attempt to set negative narratives through false and fabricated allegations, and workers must be ready to counter them effectively. To counter such narratives, workers should highlight past instances of lawlessness, including mafia dominance, extortion, insecurity of women and traders, and communal unrest during festivals," he said.
"They should present evidence such as newspaper clippings and examples from that time, and respond assertively while maintaining the dignity of language," Adityanath said.
The chief minister also said that emphasis should be placed on promoting positive aspects. By creating quality content, social media platforms can be used effectively to highlight developments across sectors, thereby strengthening the campaign of the double-engine government.
Citing examples from the lives of Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, Abhimanyu, Guru Gobind Singh and his four sons, Swami Vivekananda, Maharana Pratap, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Rani Lakshmibai, Subhas Chandra Bose and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, he said these figures symbolise the power and inspiration of youth who dedicated everything for the nation and dharma.
Drawing a comparison with the previous regime, Adityanath said, "First-time voters may not be aware of the situation in Uttar Pradesh before 2017. Riots used to occur every third day, and there was widespread fear during festivals."
He cited examples from regions like Kushinagar and Maharajganj, where criminal gangs operated freely. He asserted that under the present double-engine government, such conditions no longer exist.
Referring to global tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, he said, "The world has been adversely affected. Even in the United States, fuel prices have risen sharply, and neighbouring countries are facing difficult situations. However, India has managed to maintain control over petroleum prices due to the sensitive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ensuring stability and no major impact domestically."
Highlighting development since 2017, Yogi Adityanath said, "Uttar Pradesh's economy has nearly tripled, growing from Rs 13 lakh crore to Rs 36 lakh crore. Per capita income has risen from Rs 43,000 to Rs 1.2 lakh." He stated that nine lakh youths have been given government jobs transparently, without corruption or favouritism."
The chief minister said, "Uttar Pradesh has moved from the era of 'one district, one mafia' to 'One District, One Product', along with initiatives like 'one district, one medical college' and 'one district, one cuisine', which are becoming the state's identity and a national brand."