On Uttar Pradesh Day, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath greeted the people of the state, highlighting its transformation from a "BIMARU" state to a key driver of India's economic growth. Celebrated annually on January 24th, Uttar Pradesh Day commemorates the renaming of the United Provinces to Uttar Pradesh in 1950.
The acronym "BIMARU," coined in the 1980s, referred to the then-poor economic and social indicators of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. In recent years, Uttar Pradesh has demonstrated significant progress, breaking free from policy apathy and overcoming long-standing challenges.
Adityanath emphasized that Uttar Pradesh, a land of immense possibilities, has moved beyond years of struggle and neglect to become a key engine of India's development. He noted that the state has always been a center of India's culture, literature, music, art, and spiritual consciousness. The Chief Minister highlighted the cultural resurgence taking place from Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura to Sambhal, signifying a shift from disorder to celebration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended greetings on Uttar Pradesh Day, acknowledging the state's invaluable contributions to India's culture and heritage. He praised the state's progress from a "BIMARU" state to an "exemplary province" over the past nine years, attributing it to the dedication of the people and the "double-engine" government. Modi expressed confidence that Uttar Pradesh's potential would continue to play a vital role in driving India's progress.
Uttar Pradesh Day 2026 is being celebrated with the theme "Developed India-Developed Uttar Pradesh,". The celebrations include the launch of the 'One District–One Cuisine' initiative, showcasing traditional dishes from every district. Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the main event in Lucknow.
CM Adityanath has emphasized that strict determination and effective administration have helped establish law and order in the state. He pointed out that initiatives such as MSME promotion, labor reforms, deregulation, skill development, startups, and the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme have boosted employment opportunities and elevated Uttar Pradesh from the local to the global stage. The Chief Minister also noted the increased participation of women in the workforce and the expansion of medical infrastructure, health services, and technology, which have made healthcare more accessible.
Furthermore, the state government has focused on simplifying policies to create a business-friendly environment. Uttar Pradesh has been declared a "Top Achiever" in key areas such as simplification of enterprise establishment, labor regulatory processes, and land administration. The "Nivesh Mitra" portal, one of India's largest digital single-window portals, provides over 525 services from 45 departments online to entrepreneurs.
Adityanath conveyed a message of development, good governance, and self-reliance for Uttar Pradesh Day 2026. He stated that the rule of law has been established, ending the reign of terror of the mafia and accelerating development. Investors who once avoided the state due to law and order concerns are now eager to invest in Uttar Pradesh. The Chief Minister also highlighted achievements in the agricultural sector, noting that Uttar Pradesh has become the backbone of the country's food security.
