NOIDA: Chief minister
Yogi Aditya Nath announced two more Metro projects for Uttar Pradesh, in Kanpur and Agra, as he joined Prime Minister Narendra
Modi at the inaugural function of the
Magenta Line in Noida on Christmas day.
But before the two leaders arrived, Christmas celebrations at Noida's Golf Course were cancelled, apparently due to the VIP visit and arrangements for the dignitaries' stay, and in Aligarh, the Hindu Jagran Manch had threatened schools against Xmas celebrations. Both the PM and the CM, however, made a point to wish people on Christmas, with the PM saying Jesus Christ's message of peace and kindness was the ideal one.
Yogi focused on development in his address and reiterated his government's plans to link the Purvanchal and Bundelkhand regions with two expressways. In October this year, the CM had announced a six-lane Bundelkhand expressway to link Delhi and Jhansi and its connect it to the Agra-Lucknow expressway.
The UP government is also planning to link the CM's constituency, Gorakhpur, with the proposed km Purvanchal expressway from Lucknow to Ghazipur, which is being touted as the longest expressway in the country, spanning 350km.
"With this metro route (Botanical Garden-Kalkaji Mandir) having started, we will bring a new metro in Kanpur and Agra in the same financial year. The government has already given us a nod for the Jewar airport," he told the crowd that had gathered at Amity University. "Along with this, our government is coming up with two new expressways — Purvanchal and Bundelkhand expressways — to end the regional economic disparity in the state, in which the central government will give support," Yogi said.
In an 11-minute speech, Yogi said his would end dynastic and caste-based politics in the state. Stating that an effort was being made to help homebuyers with the enactment of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, he also reiterated his promise of delivering 80,000 flats to homebuyers by the end of this financial year.
Around 10 homebuyers raised slogans when the PM's speech was on and were pacified by the police deployed at the spot. The homebuyers held placards, reading: "Amrapali Buyer", "Help us, don't force us to suicide", "There is despair on all four sides, we have hope only on you," etc.
Attacking the previous regimes in the state, the chief minister claimed under their rule, Noida, Greater Noida and the Yamuna expressway region was just a money-minting machine.
He described the Magenta Line inauguration as the "foundation stone of the development of Noida and the state", adding his government was taking up public welfare projects on a priority basis.
The CM also said that according to Modi's directions, he was working on the basis of the participation of all and development for all (sabka saath, sabka vikas) principle.
(with inputs from Agencies)
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