Adopting ‘Swadeshi’ is need of hour: CM Yogi

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme has emerged as a national model.

Speaking at a mega event in Aligarh, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation for 186 projects worth ₹958 crore, the CM urged people to embrace local products, calling Swadeshi a must for economic self-reliance and prosperity.

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He said, “Adopting Swadeshi is the need of the hour. If our money stays with our own craftsmen and artisans, it will lead to growth and prosperity, and also help increase per capita income.”

However, he warned that if this money goes to foreign hands, it could be used against the country, in the form of terrorism, religious conversions, and disturbances to destabilize India. He also appealed to people to give locally made products as gifts to their loved ones during upcoming festivals.

While addressing the public gathering, CM Yogi highlighted Aligarh’s historical and cultural importance. He recalled how former Chief Minister late Kalyan Singh brought national recognition to the city, adding that the government is taking his vision forward by boosting the local lock industry through the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme. He also mentioned Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh University, which will soon turn Aligarh into a hub for higher education, while keeping the memory of the freedom movement alive and helping youth build a bright future.

The Chief Minister said the Defence Corridor, launched in 2018, is now producing advanced weapons like the world-class BrahMos missile, strengthening India’s defence capabilities. Citing Operation Sindoor, he praised the country’s military self-reliance and added that Aligarh is emerging as a hub for drone and hardware manufacturing, creating jobs and boosting prosperity for local artisans.

Reinforcing Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign, the CM urged citizens to adopt Swadeshi (indigenous) products. He pointed out how Aligarh’s locks, brass idols, and hardware are now in demand across the country and even abroad.