Lucknow, Jun 27 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday launched a scathing attack on the previous Samajwadi Party government, accusing it of ignoring the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector while keeping the state trapped in caste-based conflicts and nepotism for political gains.

Speaking at a program in Lucknow on the occasion of International MSME Day, the CM said, "Before 2017, UP was known for riots, mafia networks, and being one of the most unsafe states for daughters and traders. The only achievement of previous governments was instigating caste clashes and nurturing one mafia per district under the guise of family rule." He said that the double-engine (BJP-led) government (in Centre and UP) over the past eight years had pulled the state out of a crisis of identity and restored pride by reviving local heritage through initiatives like the 'One District One Product' (ODOP) scheme.

"It is the same UP where youth once faced discrimination due to their surnames or backgrounds. Today, we are creating jobs and boosting exports through ODOP, linking traditional products with technology, better packaging, and global markets," he added.

He pointed out that before 2017, UP's exports hovered between Rs 80,000 to Rs 85,000 crore annually, which have now surged past Rs 2 lakh crore.

The state's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has more than doubled from Rs 12.75 lakh crore to Rs 31 lakh crore in the same period, the CM said.

"What made this possible? Good law and order, zero discrimination, and implementation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision. Previous governments never found time to celebrate even Uttar Pradesh Day, the state got its name on January 24, 1950, but it was first observed only in 2018 under our government," the CM said.

"Why? Because those in power earlier were too busy inciting caste violence and working only for their families," he added.

He also recalled how UP once faced such a severe perception crisis that people from the state struggled to get rooms in hotels outside even after paying in advance.

Highlighting the strides made in the MSME sector, Adityanath said UP now accounts for around 14 per cent of the country's MSMEs -- with over 90 lakh units registered. It is also the first state to provide insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh to registered MSME units without any additional premium.

During the event, in presence of MSME minister Rakesh Sachan, the CM inaugurated two new Common Facilitation Centres in Bareilly and Moradabad under the ODOP initiative and said all 75 districts now have a unique product with tailored support in design, packaging, marketing, and export.

He also praised the success of the CM YUVA scheme --” launched on UP Day this year by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar -- under which youth entrepreneurs receive interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh and 10 per cent subsidy from the state government.

"More than 55,000 youth have already benefited under the CM YUVA scheme. Did we select them based on their caste, language, or region? No. These benefits were given based on merit and the principle of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. We are committed to giving every talented individual a platform,” caste does not matter to us," he said.

The CM reiterated that the MSME sector is the backbone of a self-reliant India and that his government would continue to empower entrepreneurs without discrimination, aligning with the Prime Minister's vision.

He also stressed that MSME is work as anchor units for bringing bigger manufacturing businesses into a state noting that the big industries look around for such anchor units that would help them with raw material and other supplies.

"I'm confident that UP will take a huge leave in future and realise PM Modi's resolve for establishing the state as the growth engine of the country and making India a developed nation," he added. PTI KIS NB NB