"Traders haven't forgotten SP-era exploitation and 'goonda tax'": UP CM Yogi Adityanath

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], August 11(ANI): Opening the Monsoon Session with a blistering attack, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused the Samajwadi Party (SP) of hiding behind a "facade" of democracy while subjecting traders to atrocities and a 'goonda tax' during its rule.
Targeting SP's "negative politics" in Sambhal, Bahraich, and Gorakhpur, he also cautioned Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey, whom he acknowledged as a senior leader, against being used as a pawn for others' vested interests.
CM Yogi intensified his criticism of the Samajwadi Party for opposing the Gorakhpur Heritage Corridor, calling its stance "anti-development." Outlining the project, he said the corridor will link iconic landmarks, including Ghantaghar, the city's oldest market, and Gitapress.
CM Yogi noted that he had inspected the site three days before the Leader of Opposition's visit, personally meeting every trader. Long plagued by congestion and illegal encroachments, the market is now seeing road expansion and decongestion works. The CM assured that all affected traders will receive fair compensation, with no one left to bear losses in the name of development.
Taking a dig at SP, CM Yogi said no development took place in the area during their rule. He reminded the House that during the SP regime, encephalitis claimed the lives of 700-1500 children every year, including hundreds in Mata Prasad Pandey's constituency and neighbouring Siddharthnagar, yet no action was taken. "Health, education, and development have never been your priorities," he asserted.
CM Yogi added that Gorakhpur traders opposed Mata Prasad Pandey's visit because of bitter memories of SP-era fear and Goonda Tax.
"The traders have not forgotten the exploitation they suffered under SP rule. You went there uninvited, trying to obstruct development, and they respectfully opposed you," he said, stressing that people cannot expect either security or development from SP.
Recalling the infamous Sambhal incident under the SP regime, CM Yogi said his government is carrying out a "purification drive" in the area to undo the negativity spread by the party.
"SP is still clinging to its old habits, opposing development at every step," he remarked. Accusing the party of being anti-growth, he alleged that its politics in Sambhal, Bahraich, and Gorakhpur are rooted in obstruction, not progress. "The BJP and NDA governments are committed to development, but SP simply cannot tolerate it," he asserted. (ANI)