Anyone intimidating society through illegal land grabs to be penalized, warns U.P. CM Yogi

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday (November 5, 2025) issued a stern warning to the mafia and anti-social elements, saying anyone who illegally occupies public land or poor people’s land and tries to intimidate the society will face harsh consequences.

Mr. Adityanath made the remarks after inaugurating the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Housing Scheme at Ekta Van in Dalibagh in Lucknow on the occasion of Kartik Purnima where he handed over allotment letters of flats to 72 Economically Weaker Section (EWS) families on the land once illegally occupied by former mafia-turned-politician MLA Mukhtar Ansari.

“This is not merely a housing distribution ceremony; it is a message that the poor will now receive homes built on land once occupied by the mafia. Those who glorify criminals, recite prayers at their graves, and exploit the poor must know that such acts will no longer be tolerated in Uttar Pradesh," said the Chief Minister.

Reaffirming the State’s resolve, Mr. Adityanath added the government stands firmly to protect the rights of every citizen.

“This government stands firmly to protect the rights of every citizen. This is the identity of a new India and a new Uttar Pradesh, where development walks hand in hand with faith, culture, and tradition,” Mr. Adityanath said.

The Chief Minister also met the beneficiary families, presented them with housewarming gifts, interacted affectionately with children, distributed chocolates, and planted saplings in the housing complex.

He added, “today, millions of devotees are taking holy dips at Garhmukteshwar, Tikri, Sukhtirtha, Badaun, Prayagraj, Kashi, and Ayodhya. In Kashi, the divine light of Dev Deepawali will illuminate the ghats this evening. On this sacred day, providing homes to beneficiaries on mafia-free land in Lucknow is indeed a matter of pride.”

The U.P. CM said the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has provided flats at prime location for just ₹10.70 lakh, whereas their market value is nearly ₹1 crore. Out of 8,000 applicants, 5,700 were found eligible, and 72 families have already received their allotments. “These families now have the opportunity to live a life of dignity and respect. If these houses are brought under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, they will become even more affordable,” he said.

Mr. Adityanath said that since 2017, the government has been resolute in its efforts to transform Uttar Pradesh's unfavourable reputation by taking unwavering measures against crime and criminals. "For the last eight and a half years, we have persistently acted against mafias who previously ridiculed the Constitution and held the law captive. In earlier times, even officials and governments yielded to them. Mafia dominance was once prevalent from east to west and north to south, including Bundelkhand; however, that is no longer the case," stated the Chief Minister.

"Our zero-tolerance approach has effectively dismantled the mafia's power. Those who show sympathy or support for such individuals are jeopardizing the interests of the state. These merciless mafias do not belong to anyone. Due to their actions, the poor, marginalised individuals, traders, and even our sisters and daughters were left vulnerable. The government will persist in its stringent actions not only against the mafias but also against those who provide them with support," said Mr. Adityanath.