Meerut (Uttar Pradesh) [India], August 4 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said that Congress 'shielded terrorists' and framed 'innocent Hindus' in the Malegaon blast case.

While addressing the foundation stone laying ceremony of a Rs 2,517 crore Integrated Township project under the Chief Minister Urban Expansion/New City Promotion Scheme in Meerut on Monday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a sharp attack on opposition parties over the Malegaon blast case.

He accused Congress and the Samajwadi Party of repeatedly conspiring against nationalists and falsely implicating innocent Hindus, while shielding actual terrorists. 'Today, these very parties are questioning the credibility of the country's constitutional institutions,' he said, adding, 'Will Congress ever apologise to the nation for its misdeeds?'

Chief Minister Yogi further said that the politics of Congress and SP have long been centred on casteism, communal riots, and appeasement of mafias.

In contrast, he said, the double-engine government is focused on nationalism and inclusive development for all, without discrimination.

Marking a new chapter in Meerut's development journey, CM Yogi performed the Bhoomi Pujan of the Rs 2,517 crore Integrated Township project, spread across 295 hectares. The project is designed to transform Meerut into a modern hub of residential, industrial, and commercial infrastructure.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister also extended financial assistance to young entrepreneurs, self-help groups, and housing scheme beneficiaries, taking a significant step toward their empowerment.

CM Yogi dedicated the ambitious township project in Meerut to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, naming it 'Atal Shatabdi'. Strategically located near the Rapid Rail corridor, this project aims to offer affordable and sustainable housing to residents of the National Capital Region (NCR).

CM Yogi said the township will reshape Meerut's urban landscape with integrated residential, industrial, and commercial facilities, along with schools, technical institutes, and medical colleges. The project is expected to generate employment for lakhs and establish Meerut as a new hub of development.

During the event, the Chief Minister distributed loans amounting to Rs 29 crore to 675 budding entrepreneurs under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyam Vikas Abhiyan. Financial assistance of Rs 64 crore was also extended to 881 self-help groups. Keys to homes were handed over to beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana, and farmers excelling in their field were honoured with citation certificates--initiatives that significantly bolster economic and social empowerment in the region.

Highlighting the transformation of Meerut, CM Yogi noted that the city, once known for its 'Chor Bazar' areas like Sotiganj, is now gaining international recognition for its sports goods industry, thanks to initiatives like Rapid Rail, the 12-lane expressway, and the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme.

He announced that the country's first sports university, named after Major Dhyan Chand, is coming up in Meerut. He also stated that the country's largest expressway connecting Meerut to Prayagraj will be completed by year-end, reducing travel time to Lucknow to just six hours. Further, development projects like the reconstruction of the Inner Ring Road and a new Circuit House were also announced.

Reaffirming Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a self-reliant India and promoting the 'Vocal for Local' campaign, CM Yogi urged people to prefer indigenous products over foreign goods to stop national wealth from flowing into anti-national activities. He praised the ODOP scheme for putting Meerut's sports goods on the global map.

In a major gesture on the occasion of Rakshabandhan, CM Yogi announced free travel for women in Uttar Pradesh State Transport Corporation and city buses on August 8, 9, and 10. 'All sisters will be able to travel free of cost anywhere in Uttar Pradesh during these three days,' he said, assuring hassle-free transport arrangements.

Moreover, Yogi also credited the government's zero-tolerance policy for ridding Meerut of riots and crime and putting it firmly on the path of development. 'Eight years ago, Meerut was burning in the flames of communal violence. Today, it is surging ahead with infrastructure like the Rapid Rail and Expressways,' he said.

He also announced the commencement of survey work for the Meerut-Haridwar expressway and the integration of divisional offices under one roof as key developmental initiatives. (ANI)