Lakhimpur Kheri (UP), April 11 – Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced on Saturday that his government would withdraw cases registered against members of the Tharu community.
"The governments of previous administrations, which fostered mafia elements in every district, had previously oppressed the descendants of Maharana Pratap and Maharana Sanga and filed false cases against them. The members of the Tharu community, who fought for their rights and against whom cases were registered by the Samajwadi Party government, will have all those cases withdrawn by our government. Now, no one will be able to oppress you, because the double-engine government stands with you and respects your struggle," Adityanath said.
The chief minister was speaking during a program held at Chandan Chowki (Palia), where he distributed land ownership records to 2,350 families affected by river erosion in eastern Uttar Pradesh and 4,356 families from the Tharu tribe.
Adityanath also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of 314 development projects worth Rs 817 crore in Palia, Srinagar, Nighasan, and Gola Gokarnnath assembly constituencies.
He warned that anyone attempting to become a mafia member should be prepared for strict action. The government will not allow any mafia to flourish, deprive the poor of their rights, or rob jobs from the youth, he stated.
Adityanath explained that this program represents a significant journey from rights to self-reliance and from self-reliance to self-respect, adding that today, along with rights, there is also a guarantee of self-respect and self-reliance.
Adityanath mentioned that the descendants of freedom fighters from eastern Uttar Pradesh were settled in these areas. "Three generations have passed, yet you never received your rights. This decades-long, incomplete journey is now progressing through the rehabilitation program. When a bridge of trust is formed between the people and the government, that trust translates into actual rights on the ground," he said.
He added that the roots of tribal culture, self-respect, and the fertility of the Terai region flourish together, further mentioning that Chandan Chowki and the surrounding Tharu-dominated villages once struggled for identity. In the past, they were harassed by the forest, police, and revenue departments, he claimed.
Adityanath stated that the Tharu community, which is known for its bravery, previously fought for identity, but today they are receiving ownership documents. This is a testament to the strength and efficiency of the 'double-engine' government.
"People from Eastern Uttar Pradesh sacrificed everything for the country's independence. The British subjected them to severe forms of punishment such as Kala Pani, exile, and execution. After independence, the then-government settled them but did not provide ownership rights over their land. Those who contributed to the country's independence were deprived of their rights in independent India," Adityanath said.
The chief minister noted that in 1976, it was decided to grant land to the Tharu community in these villages, but ownership rights were not conferred. He criticised previous governments for not addressing the community's grievances for decades.
"Earlier governments lacked sensitivity. Had they risen above family-centric politics, they could have thought about the Tharu community and the descendants of freedom fighters. Those who divided society and exploited resources cannot be expected to grant rights. They imposed curfews, nurtured mafia elements, and created an identity crisis for the youth.
"But today, the land on which you farm and grow crops — the land where you nurtured your dreams — the double-engine government is here to shape those dreams. Today, 4,356 Tharu families have been given ownership documents for 5,338 hectares of land," he said.
Hitting out at the Samajwadi Party, Adityanath said, "Earlier development was limited to Saifai, where one family controlled everything. But for the BJP, the population of 25 crore is one family. Development is now taking place equally in every district. Through the Prime Minister Swamitva Yojana, the principle of 'whoever has a house, owns it' is being ensured in every gram panchayat. Now, people are receiving land, name, respect and identity. Along with rights, initiatives are also being taken to accelerate development."
Regarding the current situation of farmers, Adityanath acknowledged that they have suffered heavy losses due to unseasonal hailstorms and excessive rainfall. He informed that a survey report has been requested as soon as possible. Affected farmers will receive financial assistance through the crop insurance scheme and disaster relief fund. Instructions have been given to provide aid within 24 hours in the event of loss of life or livestock.
"In case of crop loss due to fire, immediate compensation will be given through the mandi committee, and in case of houses being destroyed due to fire or storms, houses will be provided under the Chief Minister Awas Yojana. The government stands firmly with farmers in times of crisis," he said.
The chief minister said that the government will transform the Tharu community from beneficiaries into entrepreneurs, mentioning that the Tharu Handicraft Company, established in Kheri, reflects this vision.
Products from the Tharu community will now reach both national and international markets, gaining global recognition, generating employment, and promoting self-reliance. As income rises, a new era of economic independence and empowerment will begin, he said.
Adityanath also mentioned that the government has received advanced proposals from every assembly constituency, adding that the construction of the Gola Gokarannath Corridor, also known as Chhoti Kashi, is currently underway.
"The original name of Lakhimpur Kheri was Lakshmipur. Previous governments allowed the rise of mafia and goons in every district, but the new Uttar Pradesh is free from riots, mafia influences, and curfews. Today, Lakhimpur Kheri is known for Dudhwa National Park, Palia Airport, Chandan Chowki, Baba Gola Gokarnnath, and the medical college established in Srinagar. Now, it’s not 'One District One Mafia,' but 'One District One Medical College,'" he said.
He added that there will be efforts to promote 'One District One Cuisine' to achieve global recognition. Lakhimpur Kheri, being the largest district in terms of area and agriculture, should focus on making its cuisine famous across the country. Additionally, food processing units can be established in the district.
He also announced that the government will construct canopies and boundary walls around the statues of Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, Maharshi Valmiki, and Sant Ravidas.