Agra: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said Uttar Pradesh had undergone a major transformation under the Yogi Adityanath government, moving from what he described as an era of “one district, one mafia” to development and the One District, One Product (ODOP) initiative.
Addressing the Khatik Samaj Garjana Sammelan organised by the All India Khatik Samaj in Agra, Singh said the state was now gaining recognition for development and infrastructure.
Rajnath Singh Highlights UP’s Development Push
Singh contrasted the state’s present development trajectory with what he described as its earlier problems of poor roads, insecurity and frequent riots.
“Earlier, there was ‘one district, one mafia’, but Adityanath has changed this picture. Today, Uttar Pradesh is known for ‘One District, One Product’.”
Read Also: Rajnath Singh Sri Lanka Visit: The Big Takeaway From The Visit That Could Reshape Relations
He said development was taking place across sectors and that Uttar Pradesh was increasingly being recognised for infrastructure and economic activity.
The Defence Minister also highlighted the state’s industrial and infrastructure expansion, including:
- Industrial corridors and investment projects
- Improved road and transport infrastructure
- Expansion of urban transport networks
- The One District, One Product initiative
Singh said products associated with different districts were also gaining wider recognition under ODOP, citing examples such as Hathras hing, Firozabad glass products, Mathura peda and Aligarh locks.
Singh Praises Khatik Community’s Contribution
The Defence Minister also spoke about the historical contribution of the Khatik community and its role in the freedom struggle.
Referring to the community’s history, Singh said:
“Khatik woh hai jo khauf ko hara de (A Khatik is the one who defeats fear).”
He also recalled the community’s participation in the 1857 uprising and its role in protecting people during the freedom movement. Singh called for social unity and cooperation within the community.
He further invoked B R Ambedkar’s message of education, unity and constitutional struggle while addressing the gathering.
Silver Crown Presented to Defence Minister
During the event, members of the Khatik community felicitated Singh with a silver crown.
Instead of accepting it for himself, Singh asked the organisers to use the item to help a poor girl with her wedding expenses. He also honoured the widow of a Kargil martyr.
The event was organised in Agra’s Khandari area and brought together members of the Khatik community from the region.
