Gorakhpur: On the first day of Sharadiya Navratri, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a high-visibility public outreach campaign in Gorakhpur, aimed at promoting awareness around the recently introduced GST (Goods and Services Tax) reforms. In a symbolic and strategic move, the Chief Minister led a padyatra (march) through the city’s bustling markets, interacting directly with citizens and traders to explain how the new GST rate cuts are designed to benefit households, businesses, and the wider economy.
The march began from the revered Gorakhnath Temple and continued up to the Jhulelal Temple, covering key commercial areas. Along the way, CM Yogi visited local shops and malls, speaking to business owners, shopkeepers, and consumers. Banners and posters bearing the slogan “GST Bachhat Utsav” (GST Savings Festival) were prominently displayed, educating the public about the revised tax slabs and associated savings on everyday goods and services.
Linking Festival Spirit with Fiscal Relief
Speaking to the public, CM Yogi framed the GST reforms as part of a larger vision to combine economic revival with public welfare. “On this auspicious occasion of Navratri,” he said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered a valuable gift to every Indian by making essential items more affordable through historic GST rate cuts.”
He elaborated that:
- Life-saving medicines are now completely exempt from GST, ensuring that critical healthcare is more accessible.
- Agricultural inputs, vital for the farming community, now attract 0–5% GST, down from higher previous rates.
- Educational materials for students, including stationery and books, are tax-free, offering relief to parents and boosting education access.
“These are not just tax cuts,” CM Yogi said, “they are tools of empowerment for our farmers, students, traders, and consumers.”
#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath interacts with local shopkeepers in Gorakhpur as GST reforms come into effect from today. pic.twitter.com/F4EDhHGiYb
— ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2025
Public Participation and Cross-Community Support
As CM Yogi passed through narrow lanes and crowded bazaars, the local response was overwhelming. Citizens lined the streets, offering flowers and greetings, with many praising the accessibility of the Chief Minister and the government’s direct engagement strategy.
Notably, the padyatra saw participation from all communities, including Muslim shopkeepers and residents, reflecting a shared interest in the economic reforms being promoted. In spontaneous interactions, the Chief Minister asked traders if they had already experienced relief from the new GST rates and whether customers were showing more interest in shopping due to lower prices.
He also used the occasion to encourage digital payments, demonstrating QR code transactions during visits to small vendors, and promoted the use of Swadeshi (indigenous) products, especially Khadi and handloom goods.
A Reform with Multiple Objectives: Economic Growth, Employment & Ease of Living
According to CM Yogi, the GST reforms are not limited to fiscal adjustments—they are part of a broader policy aimed at stimulating economic activity, especially in the run-up to the festive season.
“As people prepare for Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali, reduced GST will increase demand. Increased demand boosts production. Production means more jobs. This is economics with compassion,” the Chief Minister remarked.
He called the initiative “One Reform, Many Benefits,” outlining how consumer savings, business incentives, job creation, and ease of living are all interconnected through this single policy decision. He also emphasized that the reforms are designed to be inclusive and pro-poor, aiming to lift purchasing power at the grassroots level.
Political Messaging and National Alignment
The GST awareness drive in Gorakhpur is part of a broader campaign being rolled out across Uttar Pradesh and other BJP-governed states under the banner of ‘Sewa Pakhwada’, a two-week campaign marking Prime Minister Modi’s birthday and focused on public service, awareness, and welfare outreach.
Behind the scenes, top-level coordination is being managed at both the state and national level. A planning meeting, supervised by BJP National Joint General Secretary Shiv Prakash, was recently held at the CM’s residence to map out campaign strategies. The dual focus on GST awareness and Swadeshi promotion underscores the BJP’s intent to blend economic reform with cultural pride and national self-reliance.
Conclusion: From Policy to People
CM Yogi’s padyatra in Gorakhpur marks a noteworthy shift in how economic policy is being communicated—from press conferences and notifications to face-to-face conversations in the marketplace. The state government hopes this direct approach will not only raise awareness but also build trust, foster adoption of digital practices, and boost consumer sentiment during the critical festive quarter.
With plans to replicate this model across districts and blocks, Uttar Pradesh may be laying the groundwork for a new template of governance—where public policy is not just made for the people but explained, celebrated, and shared with them, street by street.
