As India heads toward the next Lok Sabha elections, the political landscape in Uttar Pradesh, the nation’s most populous state, is once again at the forefront of national debate. The question that many are asking is: What will happen if Yogi Adityanath’s influence in Uttar Pradesh diminishes, and Akhilesh Yadav and his Samajwadi Party come back to power?
Under the leadership of Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh has seen a significant decline in crime rates, a crackdown on mafia networks, and a general sense of law and order. However, the fear looms large that if Akhilesh Yadav returns to power, the state will revert to the chaotic ‘gundaraj’ (rule of goons) that had plagued it in the past.
Yogi Adityanath’s Control: Law and Order Restored in UP
Since Yogi Adityanath took over as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh in 2017, the state has undergone a remarkable transformation. Crime rates have drastically reduced, and people feel safer than before. Yogi’s administration is known for its “bulldozer policy,” where illegal properties of notorious criminals are demolished to send a strong message that lawlessness will not be tolerated.
The Yogi government has taken strict action against the mafia, gangsters, and corrupt individuals. The streets of Uttar Pradesh, once known for lawlessness, have become safer for common citizens, women, and businesses. This change is a result of Yogi’s no-nonsense approach to governance, where law enforcement agencies have been empowered to crack down on criminals without any political interference.
Under Yogi’s rule, the fear of the law is evident. Criminals either surrender or face the consequences. This has given a sense of security to the people of Uttar Pradesh, who for long lived under the shadow of fear during previous regimes, especially under the Samajwadi Party rule led by Akhilesh Yadav.
What ‘Gundaraj’ Means for Uttar Pradesh
The term ‘gundaraj’ refers to a state where criminals hold significant power, roaming freely, committing crimes, and facing little to no consequences. Unfortunately, this was the reality in Uttar Pradesh during the rule of the Samajwadi Party. Law and order seemed non-existent, with frequent reports of heinous crimes such as kidnapping, extortion, and political interference in police matters.
During Akhilesh Yadav’s tenure as Chief Minister (2012–2017), Uttar Pradesh became infamous for its lawlessness. Goons and mafia elements enjoyed political protection, and the common people were left to fend for themselves. Criminal cases surged, and the police were often rendered powerless due to political pressure.
Akhilesh’s regime was marked by a sharp rise in cases of communal violence, political vendettas, and the flourishing of mafia networks. Public perception was that criminals had free reign, and ordinary citizens lived in constant fear of violence and injustice.
A Fear of Regression: If Yogi Loses Influence
Imagine a scenario where Yogi Adityanath loses influence, and the Samajwadi Party makes a comeback. Uttar Pradesh could once again witness the return of unchecked criminal activities. Those who had been put behind bars or whose illegal properties were seized may return with vengeance, and criminals would feel emboldened once again.
If Yogi loses seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, this could signal a shift in power dynamics. Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party could interpret this as a green signal to return to the old ways of governance, where political protection for criminals was a norm. The notorious gangsters, mafia dons, and local goons who were once sidelined or locked up under Yogi’s rule could reclaim their lost territory and power.
Akhilesh Yadav’s Record on Crime: A Dark Era
The five years of Akhilesh Yadav’s rule are often remembered for their failures in maintaining law and order. Statistics from that period show a significant rise in crimes against women, communal tensions, and large-scale corruption. The government seemed indifferent to the plight of ordinary citizens as it prioritized political alliances with questionable elements over the safety and security of its people.
Incidents of communal riots, such as the Muzaffarnagar riots of 2013, highlighted the failures of the Samajwadi government in controlling violence. The law enforcement agencies were often accused of being mere spectators, unable or unwilling to act against powerful criminals who enjoyed political backing.
The Difference Under Yogi’s Leadership: Law Over Politics
The contrast between the Yogi Adityanath-led government and the previous Akhilesh Yadav-led government couldn’t be starker. While Akhilesh’s government was known for its leniency towards criminals, Yogi’s administration has been praised for its tough stance on lawbreakers.
Under Yogi’s rule, there has been a clear message: no one is above the law. Criminals, no matter how influential, have faced action. The administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards crime has transformed Uttar Pradesh into a safer state, which is why Yogi’s power is so crucial in maintaining this order.
The people of Uttar Pradesh know what is at stake if Yogi’s influence wanes. A return to the past could mean the resurgence of mafia elements, increased crime rates, and a general sense of fear and insecurity. Yogi’s governance has provided a sense of stability, lawfulness, and progress that the people have come to value.
Why Yogi’s Influence Is Key for Uttar Pradesh’s Future
Yogi Adityanath’s leadership is not just about controlling crime; it’s about providing a vision for the future of Uttar Pradesh. The state has seen a surge in infrastructure development, job creation, and improved governance. Under Yogi, Uttar Pradesh is fast becoming an attractive destination for businesses and investors, which further contributes to the overall development and safety of the state.
The upcoming Lok Sabha elections will be a crucial moment for Uttar Pradesh. A reduction in Yogi’s seats or influence could send the state back into chaos. People need to realize that voting for parties that do not prioritize law and order could undo the progress made in recent years.
Conclusion: ‘Gundaraj’ in Uttar Pradesh
The people of Uttar Pradesh face a critical decision in the upcoming elections. Yogi Adityanath’s government has proven that with strong leadership, the state can prosper, crime can be controlled, and law and order can be restored. However, a return to the old ways under Akhilesh Yadav could bring back the dark days of ‘gundaraj.’
Yogi’s administration has shown that Uttar Pradesh can be a land of opportunity, safety, and development, but only if law and order are upheld. As voters head to the polls, they must remember the consequences of weak governance. Uttar Pradesh cannot afford to go back to a time when criminals ruled the streets, and the common man lived in fear.
The message is clear: If Yogi loses power, Uttar Pradesh risks falling back into the chaos of ‘gundaraj.’ The safety, security, and progress of the state are at stake, and only strong leadership can keep Uttar Pradesh on the path to prosperity.
