Lucknow: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday targeted previous govts, alleging that before 2017 Uttar Pradesh was effectively run by mafia networks and that political leadership had compromised with criminal elements while the police remained unable to act.
Speaking at Lok Bhavan after flagging off 87 interceptor vehicles for Uttar Pradesh Police, Yogi said the state’s law-and-order situation had changed significantly over the past nine years through police reforms, technology-driven policing and what he described as firm political resolve. “Before 2017, dreaded mafias operated in almost every district. Yogi said govt’s push since 2017 extended beyond policing to employment, technology adoption, welfare delivery and economic growth, aimed at changing the state’s overall image and improving governance. He said 16 police personnel were awarded President’s Police Medal for Gallantry and 10 received Chief Minister’s Gallantry Medal.
Govts would bow before the mafia and the police remained helpless,” he said, adding that without political support the police could not ensure stronger enforcement. Yogi said Uttar Pradesh was the first state to implement key police reforms advocated by former director general of police Prakash Singh. He said seven police commissionerates are now operational, which, according to govt, has improved policing in major urban centres and strengthened accountability. Linking public safety with development, chief minister said law and order was essential for social stability and economic progress.
Parallel govts used to run. Chief minister also paid tribute to STF inspector Sunil Kumar Singh, who was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra, describing it as the first time a UP Police officer received the decoration.