Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath raised the issue of respecting Vande Mataram during the discussion on the Governor’s address in the Legislative Council on February 16, 2026, as part of the state’s budget session. He emphasised that Vande Mataram is a symbol of India’s pride and that disrespect towards the national song constitutes an insult to the Constitution, comparing such acts to sedition.
CM Yogi Adityanath stated, “It is our duty to respect national symbols and uphold constitutional authority,” while criticising the opposition’s behaviour towards the Governor, describing it as weakening democracy and an insult to women’s power. He thanked the Chairman for facilitating the discussion, noting that 51 members contributed to the debate.
Reflecting on the last nine years, the Chief Minister highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s transformation from a state marred by crime, disorder, and curfews to one governed by law and discipline. He noted that before 2017, the morale of the police was low, daughters were unsafe, and business confidence was weak. Today, under the double-engine government, the rule of law has been established, and initiatives promoting investment, social security, and self-reliance have been accelerated.
हिंदुस्तान में रहोगे,
भारत के राष्ट्रगान और राष्ट्रगीत को गाने में आपको दिक्कत होती है, ये चीजें नहीं चल सकती हैं…
ये ‘भारत रत्न’ बाबा साहब डॉ. भीमराव आंबेडकर जी का अपमान है… pic.twitter.com/qMsn7ldTEU
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) February 16, 2026
Citing the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Yogi described Uttar Pradesh as a confluence of technology, trust, and transformation. He said the state has moved from a “fear zone” to a “feet zone,” with zero-tolerance policies replacing curfews and rapid growth in the festive and temple economy. He referred to events like the AI Impact Summit to highlight the state’s forward-planning and developmental focus.
CM Yogi Adityanath Criticises Samajwadi Party, Highlights Promotion of Cultural Heritage and Festivals
Targeting the Samajwadi Party (SP), CM Yogi Adityanath alleged that the party glorifies invaders and spreads misleading narratives, which would not be accepted in New India and New Uttar Pradesh. He emphasised that the government is honouring cultural icons such as Maharaja Suheldev and Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar while promoting festivals and religious tourism.
Addressing religious and cultural issues, the Chief Minister noted that the SP opposed the construction of the Ram Temple and the Kashi Vishwanath Dham, including restrictions on Janmashtami and Kanwar Yatra, and even violence against devotees. In contrast, he highlighted that a grand Ram temple has now been constructed, drawing crores of devotees for darshan. He also cited the temple built by Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar in Kashi as a symbol of the government’s commitment to cultural heritage.
Also read : CM Yogi Adityanath Holds Janta Darshan in Gorakhpur on Mahashivratri, Assures Swift Redressal
CM Yogi Adityanath stressed that Uttar Pradesh is now celebrated for events like Deepotsav, whereas earlier it was labelled a “Bimaru Rajya.” He highlighted the state’s economic growth, with GDP increasing from ₹13 lakh crore in 2017 to ₹36 lakh crore, achieved without imposing new taxes, but by curbing tax evasion and promoting transparency.
In summary, the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath positioned his government as committed to law and order, cultural pride, economic growth, and public welfare while holding the opposition accountable for past mismanagement and disrespect towards national and cultural symbols.