GORAKHPUR, Sept. 5 -- Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday strongly criticised forces that divide people on the basis of caste and religion, calling them major obstacles in the path of a developed India.

He was addressing a gathering on the Gorakhpur Industrial Development Authority (GIDA) campus where he launched projects worth Rs.2,251 crore.

Urging people to reject such outfits, he said, "Those who divide society in the name of caste cannot drive development forward."

Adityanath accused the Samajwadi Party government of institutionalising extortion through the infamous "goonda tax."

He alleged that traders and entrepreneurs were forced to pay bribes under SP's rule, while the current government has created a safe environment ...