"Prayagraj, Kashi, Ayodhya showed India's potential": CM Yogi credits PM Modi for restoring country's faith, respect

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], February 17 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday highlighted the transformative progress in Uttar Pradesh, citing Prayagraj, Kashi, and Ayodhya as symbols of India's growing potential and credited Prime Minister Modi's leadership for restoring the country's faith and respect globally.
He said that the number of devotees visiting Ayodhya has skyrocketed from 2.35 lakh in 2016-17 to over 14-15 crore in 2024, reflecting the respect for faith and the region's economic growth.
Emphasising that UP has made significant strides in the last eight years, CM Yogi noted that now, gifts of One District One Product (ODOP) are being given during festivals, replacing Chinese products.
"Prayagraj, Kashi and Ayodhya showed India's potential. Our economics is better than those who oppose Maha Kumbh. Devotees are also making the world realise their strength by showing India's faith to the world. More than 53 crore devotees have taken a holy dip so far. In 2016-17, when there was no BJP government in UP, only 2.35 lakh devotees used to come to Ayodhya, in 2024 this number increased to more than 14-15 crore," said the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).
"Along with respecting faith, its economic aspect is also important. UP has made a lot of progress in 8 years, now on festivals, gifts of ODOP (One District One Product) products are given, not Chinese products. For the first time under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the faith of the country got respect," said the CMO.
As Prayagraj continues to witness a huge footfall of devotees gathering at Mahakumbh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said that so far, 53 crore devotees have taken a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam and this process will continue for the next nine days.
CM Yogi Adityanath said, "This moment is even more important for us when Mahakumbh is being organized, which has become the world's largest spiritual and cultural event to date. So far, 53 crore devotees have taken a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam and this process will continue for the next nine days."
He further said that this is the potential of the country and people got opportunity to visit Uttar Pradesh.
Devotees continued to arrive at Mahakumbh 2025 to take a holy dip at Triveni Sangam on the 36th day of the festival on Monday.
Over 52 crore devotees have taken a holy dip so far at the world's largest human gathering.
A massive influx of devotees was seen at the Prayagraj Railway station on Monday.Police officials were constantly vigilant to manage the overwhelming crowd.
The Director General of Central Reserve Police Force, G P Singh reviewed the security arrangements for Prayagraj's Mahakumbh on Sunday, also appreciated how there is a 'fine synergy' between the Uttar Pradesh Police, CRPF and all other agencies involved.
To ease the extra rush of passengers during the Mahakumbh Mela and in the backdrop of the recent stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, Northern Railway has decided to run four special trains to facilitate smooth travel for devotees and travellers.
Meanwhile, in the wake of the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday, which resulted in the deaths of 18 people and left many others injured, Central Railway has also announced the operation of four special trains for pilgrims travelling to Prayagraj for the Mahakumbh. (ANI)