Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for providing the nation and Uttar Pradesh a “historic Diwali gift” through the latest GST reforms, which offer relief on essentials such as educational materials, milk, curd, ghee, cheese, and other food products, while imposing higher taxes on drugs and non-essential spending.
Speaking at the launch of the NaMo Yuva Run for a Drug-Free India from his residence, CM Yogi said that exemptions were extended to bikes, cars, houses, steel, cement, and other necessities to support youth aspirations.
Flagging off the marathon from Kalidas Marg to the 1090 Intersection, the Chief Minister highlighted the GST reforms announced by the GST Council on September 3, which come into effect nationwide from September 22. He energized participants with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”.
In a symbolic Vijayadashami celebration, youth across villages, towns, and districts will burn effigies representing sin, oppression, corruption, injustice, and drug abuse.
CM Yogi emphasized that the GST reforms will ease inflation for the poor, make education more affordable, and strengthen citizens’ purchasing power, thereby boosting markets, creating jobs, and opening new avenues for progress. He described the reforms as beneficial for traders, consumers, and the poor alike, urging all residents of Uttar Pradesh to understand their significance.
He also highlighted the ongoing “Seva Pakhwada” being observed nationwide by the Bharatiya Janata Party from September 17 (PM Modi’s birthday) to October 2 (Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary). Inaugurated by the Prime Minister in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, with the theme “Swastha Nari, Sashakt Samaj”, the program aims to empower women, strengthen families, and build a robust society. Nationwide, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha workers are contributing through blood donation drives, cleanliness campaigns, and health camps, aligning with the vision of a Viksit India.
Speaking about the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”, CM Yogi recalled the Prime Minister’s call for citizens to pledge five vows: abolishing vestiges of slavery, respecting heritage, honoring soldiers, promoting social equality, and fulfilling civic duties with honesty. These vows guide the nation toward development, inspiring Uttar Pradesh’s “Viksit India – Viksit Uttar Pradesh” campaign, which has gained strong support from youth, farmers, workers, entrepreneurs, and intellectuals.
Highlighting the importance of self-reliance, the Chief Minister said a healthy society forms the foundation of progress, and events like the NaMo Marathon provide new direction and energy to youth. Since 2014, PM Modi’s initiatives such as World Yoga Day, Khelo India, Fit India Movement, Mission Rojgar, and sports programs have empowered young talent and expanded employment opportunities.
Addressing the youth, CM Yogi warned that diverting energy towards drugs leads to ruin, while participation in programs like the NaMo Marathon encourages discipline, health, and nation-building.
He announced a series of programs being held from September 17 to October 2, with special events planned on September 25 (the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya) and October 2 (the birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri). This year, Vijayadashami also coincides with October 2, making the occasion even more significant as a symbol of the victory of good over evil and the nation’s march towards strength and capability.
The Chief Minister urged youth to participate with discipline and dignity, emphasizing that discipline is the greatest strength of youth.