CM Yogi Adityanath Slams Opposition Over Caste Politics, Emphasizes Unity and Trader-Friendly Governance

In a strong political statement that is likely to resonate across Uttar Pradesh ahead of key policy rollouts, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has accused opposition parties of deliberately sowing divisions along caste lines to obstruct development and mislead the public. Speaking at a public event in Lucknow on Tuesday, the Chief Minister emphasized his administration’s focus on “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” and reassured the business community of continued pro-trade reforms.

The remarks come amid a renewed political debate over caste-based mobilization strategies in the state, as several opposition leaders push for updated caste census data and affirmative action proposals. CM Yogi’s response, framed as a call for social cohesion, signals a sharp counter-narrative rooted in economic upliftment and law-and-order governance.

A Political Message with Economic Undertones

Addressing a gathering of entrepreneurs and local industrialists at the Uttar Pradesh Traders’ Conference, Adityanath said:

“Some political parties are hell-bent on dividing society along caste lines. Their intention is not upliftment, but manipulation. Our government stands for unity, integrity, and an environment where every trader, every citizen, feels empowered regardless of their background.”

He went on to detail how his administration has worked over the past seven years to streamline trade regulations, expand digital infrastructure, and create an inclusive economy that does not discriminate based on caste or class.

According to state data, Uttar Pradesh has seen a 35% rise in small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) since 2018, supported by policies such as the ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP) initiative, simplified GST compliance, and local investment facilitation centers.

Opposition’s Caste-Centric Campaigns Under Fire

Yogi Adityanath’s comments were directed at opposition calls for a nationwide caste census—a contentious issue gaining political traction in several states. Critics of the ruling BJP argue that caste-based enumeration is essential to addressing disparities in representation and resource distribution.

However, CM Yogi’s stance is clear: while social justice remains important, pushing caste narratives at the cost of unity can erode trust, fragment society, and weaken governance.

He added:

“Uttar Pradesh has suffered in the past due to politics of appeasement and division. We have broken that cycle. Our aim is to move beyond caste arithmetic and focus on real progress—roads, employment, safety, and investment.”

Pro-Trader Policies Take Center Stage

The Chief Minister also used the occasion to roll out new measures for the trader community:

• A proposal to establish ‘Vyapari Sahayata Kendras’ (Trader Support Centers) in all 75 districts for quick grievance redressal;

• Streamlined municipal licensing and digital registration processes to reduce bureaucratic hurdles;

• Expansion of the ‘Udyam Sarthi’ App to include new features for e-commerce enablement and tax advisory;

• Assurances of police protection for traders facing organized extortion or threats—a problem that had plagued several UP districts prior to 2017.

These announcements were met with applause by business representatives, many of whom praised the state government’s consistent outreach and digital-first reforms.

Law and Order as a Unifying Theme

Since coming to power in 2017, the Yogi Adityanath-led administration has made law and order a central pillar of governance. His remarks on caste politics were therefore framed within a broader argument that a united society governed by strong law enforcement is essential for economic progress.

According to the latest NCRB data, crime rates against traders in UP have decreased by over 22% in the past three years, owing to the state’s investment in police modernization, surveillance networks, and district-level economic intelligence units.

The Chief Minister asserted that such gains would be reversed if divisive politics returned:

“When law breaks down, the first to suffer are the honest trader, the daily wage worker, and the youth looking for opportunity. This is why we reject divisive narratives and work for a unified Uttar Pradesh.”

Electoral Implications and Broader Strategy

While the speech was framed as an economic outreach, it also lays the groundwork for the BJP’s upcoming campaign narrative in the state: unity over identity, governance over grievance, and growth over group-based politics.

Political analysts suggest that Yogi Adityanath is positioning himself as both a hardliner on law and a facilitator of growth, allowing the party to counter opposition caste alliances with a platform rooted in development, middle-class stability, and cultural cohesion.

Conclusion

CM Yogi Adityanath’s remarks in Lucknow highlight the evolving political terrain of Uttar Pradesh, where caste, commerce, and coalition-building intersect in complex ways. By challenging the opposition’s caste-centric approach and emphasizing trader welfare, unity, and economic empowerment, the Chief Minister has made clear that his administration is betting on a vision of inclusive progress.

Whether this approach resonates with voters across the social spectrum remains to be seen. But the message is unmistakable: division may win votes, but only unity can build a state.