Yogi Adityanath accuses former SP government of ignoring MSME growth while deepening caste tensions in Uttar Pradesh
by Utsav RoyUttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday strongly criticized the previous Samajwadi Party-led government, alleging that it neglected the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector while fostering caste-based divisions and nepotism for political advantage.
Addressing a gathering in Lucknow on the occasion of International MSME Day, the Chief Minister remarked that prior to 2017, Uttar Pradesh was infamous for communal unrest, criminal networks, and being one of the least secure states for women and entrepreneurs. He claimed that earlier administrations were focused more on inflaming caste tensions and promoting familial dominance, with each district having its own supported mafia group.
He emphasized that the current BJP-led “double-engine” administration, functioning at both state and central levels, had worked over the past eight years to restore the state’s lost identity. Initiatives like the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme have, according to him, helped revive traditional industries and promote regional pride.
The CM highlighted that discrimination based on surname or community once made it difficult for young people to find employment, whereas today, through the ODOP program, traditional goods are being modernized with improved technology, packaging, and access to international markets.
He noted a significant rise in exports from the state, which have jumped from approximately ₹80,000-₹85,000 crore annually before 2017 to over ₹2 lakh crore now. The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) also saw impressive growth, increasing from ₹12.75 lakh crore to ₹31 lakh crore during the same period.
Adityanath credited this transformation to improved law and order, inclusive governance, and alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s development vision. He also pointed out that despite the state being named on January 24, 1950, it was only in 2018 under the current administration that Uttar Pradesh Day was celebrated for the first time.
Recalling past challenges, he mentioned how people from Uttar Pradesh once faced social stigma, to the extent of being denied hotel rooms outside the state even when bookings were prepaid.
On the MSME front, the CM said Uttar Pradesh now hosts nearly 14% of India’s MSMEs, with over 90 lakh units registered. It is also the first state to offer ₹5 lakh insurance coverage to registered MSME units without charging an extra premium.
At the same event, in the presence of MSME Minister Rakesh Sachan, Adityanath inaugurated Common Facilitation Centres in Bareilly and Moradabad as part of the ODOP initiative. He added that all 75 districts now have a designated signature product receiving tailored support in terms of design, branding, marketing, and export promotion.
He also spoke about the CM YUVA scheme, launched on Uttar Pradesh Day this year with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, under which young entrepreneurs receive interest-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh, along with a 10% subsidy. Over 55,000 youth have benefited from the scheme so far.
Rejecting caste or regional favoritism, the CM affirmed that selections under CM YUVA were merit-based and reflected the commitment to the philosophy of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’. He said the MSME sector forms the foundation of a self-reliant India and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to support entrepreneurs of all backgrounds without bias.
He concluded by noting that MSMEs serve as anchor units for attracting larger industries, providing essential support in terms of raw materials and services, a crucial element for expanding manufacturing in the state.