Given the fact that his own party — the BJP — governs Delhi under a “triple-engine sarkar” (central government, state, and municipal corporations) in the party’s parlance the CM’s remarks naturally drew interest as well as buzz.
File Photo: IANS
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently described Delhi as a “gas chamber” during a speech in Gorakhpur, criticising the national capital’s air quality while lauding his own government’s “balanced” approach to development.
Adityanath, who is also perceived as one of the successors to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, contrasted Gorakhpur’s clean environment with Delhi, where he said the Air Quality Index often exceeds 400. “You feel suffocated there… the old, the unwell, and children are advised not to venture out,” he said, highlighting breathing difficulties, irritation, and other health risks caused by pollution.
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Given the fact that his own party — the BJP — governs Delhi under a “triple-engine sarkar” (central government, state, and municipal corporations) in the party’s parlance the CM’s remarks naturally drew interest as well as buzz.
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Some party leaders suggested that Adityanath may be genuinely highlighting his administration’s work in UP, while others saw a strategic motive — projecting a “development model” akin to Modi’s Gujarat strategy to strengthen his profile in the race for the PMO in 2014.
“You protect the environment, and it will protect you. Mother Earth will bless you if you fulfill your responsibilities towards her,” Adityanath said drawing sharp reactions from Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh.
“Yogi Adityanath has exposed the BJP on the issue of pollution,” the AAP MP posted on X, adding: “Did Adityanathji forget that there is a BJP government in Delhi, or did he make this statement deliberately against Modi and (Delhi chief minister) Rekha Gupta government?”
Incidentally, this is not the first time Adityanath promoted his state as a national model. A couple of months back, he declared that UP had “successfully established itself as a model state in law and order,” citing zero tolerance for hooliganism, extortion, and mafia influence. Robust security measures had created a safe and orderly environment, portraying UP as a benchmark for governance, he said
In Adityanath’s words, observers are noting parallels to Modi’s “Gujarat Model,” which underpinned his 2014 campaign to transform him from a regional leader into a national figure.
Modi’s strategy emphasised high economic growth, infrastructure development, private sector investment, and streamlined administration to overcome national “policy paralysis” under Congress-led UPA government. The model appealed to the aspirational middle class and youth, and supported by a high-tech high-decibel campaign helped the BJP secure a majority in Delhi after 30 years.
Observers believe Adityanath’s statements may be aimed at crafting a similar narrative, showcasing UP’s governance and development successes to position himself as a potential prime ministerial contender.
The Chief Minister could also be sending subtle signals to the top leadership, especially after the appointment of a state BJP president who is said to be an adversary. Whether this approach translates into political advantage remains to be seen but the UP CM’s “development model” mirrors the playbook that elevated Modi from state leadership to the national stage, they add.
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