Security was paramount in Lucknow. Sensitive sites underwent drone surveillance, complemented by round-the-clock control room operations. The administration deployed extensive measures around prayer venues, including sanitation, hydration points, and traffic rerouting on multiple roads. Purana Lucknow’s historic lanes stayed on maximum alert to prevent any disruptions.

The occasion drew prominent figures. Akhilesh Yadav of SP, Dinesh Sharma, and Ajay Rai of Congress personally felicitated the gathering at Aishbagh. Maulana Farangi Mahli’s pre-prayer appeal for orderly worship resonated widely, followed by blessings for the nation’s tranquility.

Top officials amplified the spirit. CM Yogi Adityanath described Eid as a beacon of joy, unity, and mutual respect, urging stronger social bonds. Governor Patel invoked happiness and prosperity, hailing the festival as a symbol of love post-Ramadan. Mayawati’s message invoked Dr. Ambedkar’s Constitution, advocating tolerance and inclusive development for all Indians.

Vibrant bazaars in Chowk, Nakhas, and beyond pulsed with energy as families stocked up on festive essentials. From children’s excitement over new clothes to elders’ tales of tradition, the celebrations embodied Eid’s essence—sharing, forgiving, and uplifting the underprivileged in a spirit of profound solidarity.

Goyal deemed post-fourth review advancements encouraging and floated the idea of amplifying borrowing capacity should needs escalate. Coordination emerged as a cornerstone, with clear orders for departments to expedite project sanctions, claims, and PCRs to NABARD, ensuring no bottlenecks in execution.

Spotlight fell on the animal husbandry sector’s innovative veterinary clinic blueprint under RIDF, which Goyal urged to be packaged promptly for NABARD nod to fortify rural animal healthcare. Thorough audits of stalled PYG and SMP projects prompted directives for comprehensive data sharing with NABARD, fostering joint oversight.

Pre-meeting insights from NABARD’s Pankaj Kumar noted Rs 2,419 crore in fresh RIDF-XXXI sanctions. Surpassing the Rs 2,700 crore goal, Rs 2,713 crore has been released, with ambitions to hit Rs 3,100 crore by fiscal end. This infusion promises transformative gains for farming, livestock, and Uttar Pradesh’s rural economic landscape.

Her X post captured the essence: salutes pouring in from Uttar Pradesh to every corner of India for the man who birthed BSP. Kanshi Ram’s mission was clear—resurrect Ambedkar’s thoughts, expand his movement, and march towards satta’s pinnacle through ceaseless endeavor.

Delving deeper, Mayawati lauded his masterstroke in forging ‘Bahujan Samaj’ unity from caste-shattered fragments. She pledged full-spectrum support—physical, mental, financial—to fortify BSP’s drive for societal overhaul and economic freedom, eyeing triumphs at the ballot box with fierce determination.

The clarion call was unmistakable: Bahujans, align with BSP, embody true Ambedkarite zeal, and wield your electoral might as the ultimate key to authority. Only then can Ambedkar’s constitutional safeguards for Bahujan rights, prosperity, and dignity become reality on the ground.

Envisioning liberation from subjugation, Mayawati painted a future of dignified, joyful lives for Bahujans, echoing Kanshi Ram’s eternal ethos. Echoing this sentiment, Chandrashekhar of Bhim Army offered tributes, hailing Kanshi Ram for rousing the dormant masses and congratulating on Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram)’s sixth anniversary.

This observance comes at a pivotal juncture for BSP, grappling with recent electoral setbacks yet drawing strength from its foundational icons. Mayawati’s appeal strategically positions the party as the authentic torchbearer of Ambedkar-Kanshi Ram ideals, aiming to consolidate Dalit votes and expand alliances. In the broader narrative of Indian politics, it signals a renewed push for marginalized voices to claim their due share of power.

The campaign’s blueprint is impressively executed. Starting November 25 to December 25 last year, it onboarded 5.52 lakh individuals. Relaunched January 15 amid resounding success, it has since added 17.94 lakh cards by March 12. Multi-departmental synergy involving health, rural governance, and women’s welfare has fueled this momentum.

District-wise, Bareilly dominates with over 1.12 lakh cards, clinching the top spot. Jaunpur, Agra, Prayagraj, and Azamgarh follow closely in the leaderboard. Special emphasis on community health warriors—ASHAs, Anganwadis, and aides—plus their kin, has seen remarkable uptake.

Statewide, UP boasts 5.64 crore cards, the highest in India, as per Sachij CEO Archana Verma. Vay Vandana has shielded 25.7 lakh elderly over 70. Drilling down: Of 4.28 lakh ASHA-linked eligibles, 3.24 lakh covered (Kushinagar leads); 1.53 lakh of 2.17 lakh Anganwadi families done (Ambedkarnagar first); 1.51 lakh of 2.32 lakh helpers enrolled (Ambedkarnagar again).

Zero Poverty Abhiyan has spotlighted Varanasi for poor family enrollments, trailed by western districts. Dr. Puja Yadav, Sachij ACEO, emphasized the focus on these key groups. This isn’t just numbers—it’s a safety net woven at the village level via volunteers, ensuring health security reaches the last mile. With the campaign running till mid-April, UP’s healthcare revolution marches on.

‘Warm greetings on Women’s Day. Maternal power’s honor, safety, and independence build a mighty nation,’ Yogi posted on X. ‘Women’s involvement in every field is reshaping society with fresh vigor. Commit to their empowerment.’

Reflecting on progress, he noted pre-2017 fears for daughters’ safety have vanished. ‘Night shifts are now routine for women, powered by Mission Shakti and Anti-Romeo drives that deter crimes effectively.’

Spotlighting welfare initiatives, Yogi praised Kanya Sumangala for cradle-to-classroom aid, collective marriage schemes for respectful unions, nutritional programs for mothers, and enhanced pensions. ‘Dropout rates plummeted, maternal and child deaths hit historic lows, equal chances abound from studies to jobs.’

The CM hailed entrepreneurial strides: self-help groups everywhere, 40,000 BC Sakhis managing massive finances, and roles like Lakhpati Didi, Drone Didi transforming homes and economy alike.

Invoking tradition, ‘Janani Janmabhoomischa Svargadapi Gariyasi’—mother and homeland surpass paradise. ‘UP’s daughters, shun fear, embrace grand visions. Schemes propel you forward. Lead Uttar Pradesh to development glory.’ Heartfelt Women’s Day wishes capped his inspiring address.

Echoing PM Modi’s vision, Yogi said such harmony accelerates India’s development. He reminisced about the dark days before 2014, when festivals meant curfews, fear gripped society, and governments fueled divisions. Traders suffered losses, women felt unsafe, and chaos reigned supreme.

Contrast that with today’s UP: a haven for unhindered celebrations. Mathura-Vrindavan’s extended Holi drew global awe for its orderly grandeur. ‘Those who called us divided, where’s the division now?’ Yogi challenged, gesturing to the eclectic throng reveling together.

Delving into mythology, he recounted Prahlad’s triumph over Hiranyakashyap via Narasimha Bhagwan, likening mafias to demons that require firm eradication. ‘Laton ke bhoot baaton se nahi maante,’ he quipped, underscoring zero tolerance for lawlessness.

Shifting to development, Yogi spotlighted the Heritage Corridor project. Narrow alleys once choked with traffic will expand threefold, illuminated beautifully. Displaced merchants receive prime relocations, ensuring no losses. This historic trade route to Bihar and Nepal will reclaim its glory, boosting local economies and exemplifying bottom-up growth.

The double-engine government’s focus on security and infrastructure has turned Gorakhpur into a development beacon. After his speech, Yogi reverently performed Prahlad’s aarti, scattered petals on the chariot, and playfully showered flowers on the enthusiastic masses, amplifying the festive spirit.

More than 1.06 crore women have joined SHGs, gaining skills in lucrative areas such as apparel manufacturing, artisanal crafts, agro-processing, livestock management, cosmetics, and sustainable agriculture. No longer passive recipients of aid, these women are emerging as entrepreneurs, generating employment and reshaping rural livelihoods.

Key enablers include seamless access to bank credit, robust marketing networks, and skill enhancement programs. This holistic approach has spurred rural income growth, with SHG products now gracing e-commerce sites and reaching urban markets directly.

The initiative’s ambition is bold: create women-led enterprise hubs in every village. This strategy not only promotes self-reliance but also multiplies impact through peer training. As UP marches towards a developed future, the empowered women at its grassroots are the true architects of progress.

Minister Sunil Sharma for IT and Electronics, along with top bureaucrats, joined Maurya in examining the facility’s high-tech production of concrete sleepers and rail tracks. They witnessed automated systems and innovative engineering that set new benchmarks in the industry.

Engaging with technical specialists, the team gathered insights on superior quality standards, cutting-edge materials, and methods to boost track longevity. Conversations centered on collaborative ventures that could bring German expertise to UP’s massive rail projects.

Potential investments and technology transfers were high on the agenda, with an emphasis on sustainable practices and operational efficiency. This exchange is poised to mark a new era in UP’s industrial evolution, leveraging Germany’s engineering prowess.

Meetings with RailOne’s Nishant Mittal yielded valuable knowledge sharing. The visit extended to Nuremberg Castle, offering a glimpse into historical preservation amid modern tourism management – a perfect metaphor for blending heritage with progress.

Uttar Pradesh’s proactive diplomacy signals its readiness to forge ahead, positioning the state as a hub for innovative infrastructure in India.

‘PM Modi’s vision is crystal clear: bring every corner of India—villages, states, citizens—into the development fold,’ Rajbhar told IANS. Echoing Modi’s words, he stressed that NDA alliances from the capital to state capitals are driving prosperity round-the-clock.

Key achievements include hiking education aides’ pay in UP from Rs 10,000 to 18,000, alongside safeguards for other contract staff. These steps are a boon for underprivileged households, he noted.

Rajbhar focused on empowering youth through respectable employment and self-dependence initiatives. UP has onboarded millions into government jobs, bolstered skill training, and fueled startups over the past years.

However, he condemned Rahul Gandhi’s overseas trips as platforms to malign India. ‘Such leaders shame the nation globally, revealing Congress’s true colors,’ Rajbhar charged.

Addressing voter list updates, he assured transparency in registration and SIR processes. Voter slips are out, district lists due April 15, with polls on schedule via the Election Commission’s impartial oversight.

Government schemes like housing for all, clean cooking fuel, health insurance, and farmer support have uplifted crores. Rajbhar slammed the opposition bloc for negativity sans substance on growth matters.

Christened India Chip Private Limited, this OSAT plant has been established with an investment surpassing ₹3,700 crore. It will focus on assembling and testing display driver chips used in everything from smartphones and laptops to automotive components and other gadgets.

‘Uttar Pradesh is swiftly positioning itself as a central node in India’s expanding semiconductor ecosystem,’ PM Modi remarked. He highlighted the critical role of domestic chip production in powering key industries such as electronics and digital innovation.

The facility anticipates processing 20,000 wafers monthly upon commissioning, which will curtail import reliance and bolster local supply networks. Beyond job creation—spanning thousands of opportunities for skilled professionals—the plant is set to spur growth in supporting sectors, including startups and design hubs.

Its proximity to Jewar Airport promises superior logistics infrastructure, enhancing export capabilities. Drawing parallels to the successful India AI Impact Summit, PM Modi described the week’s developments as a transformative chapter, propelling India forward in global tech arenas as 2026 dawns brightly.