MEERUT, July 1 -- Targeting opposition parties over issues of faith and cultural heritage, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday alleged that those who once ordered police action against Ram devotees and questioned the existence of god are now attempting to champion religious sentiments after losing political ground. He invoked the famed 'Rampuri chaku' to criticise the Samajwadi Party (SP), alleging that while the iconic knife was misused by the previous regime to "grab people's land", it now symbolises security and development under the BJP government. Adityanath also criticised the Congress, saying the party had once questioned the very existence of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna but was now proclaiming that "Ram belongs to everyone" while seeking to visit Ayodhya. Comparing such leaders to the mythological deceiver Kalanemi, the CM said the public had fully understood their hypocrisy and political opportunism. Accusing the Congress and the SP of being hypocrites for their "newfound" support for Lord Ram, the CM said those who once opposed the Ram temple movement are now claiming to champion the cause. Addressing a public gathering after inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for 102 development projects worth over Rs.700 crore in the Milak and Bilaspur Assembly constituencies of Rampur district, the CM said people have now recognised the "lies and double standards" of such political forces. He also distributed awards and certificates to meritorious students who excelled in the 2026 High School and Intermediate examinations, laptops to beneficiaries of the CM's Child Welfare Scheme, cheques to beneficiaries under the CM's Young Entrepreneur Scheme, financial assistance to eligible families under the CM,s Farmer Accident Welfare Scheme and honoured traders for their special contribution to social development. Adityanath said before 2017, political parties attempted to stop the Kanwar Yatra, imposed restrictions on Hindu festivals and resorted to lathi-charges and police firing against those chanting "Jai Shri Ram". Now, the same parties, sensing a decline in their political influence, are portraying themselves as defenders of faith. He said it was the strength of Ram devotees and their electoral support that had forced the SP and Congress to change their political posture. According to Adityanath, the opposition is uncomfortable with the transformation of major pilgrimage centres, including Ayodhya Dham, Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Maa Vindhyavasini Dham, Mathura-Vrindavan, Prayagraj Dham, Naimisharanya and Shukrateerth. As they could not stop these projects, they have resorted to misleading the public through false narratives, he alleged. He alleged that before 2017, during the SP government, land belonging to poor families and members of the Valmiki community in Rampur was forcibly occupied. The CM also criticised the previous government's power distribution policy, alleging that electricity was supplied selectively, benefiting Saifai while districts such as Pilibhit and Rampur continued to face shortages. In contrast, he said the present "double-engine government" ensures equal development across all 75 districts without discrimination. Adityanath alleged that rampant corruption during the SP government drove industries out of business and pushed farmers towards despair. Highlighting Rampur's religious significance, the CM said the district has been blessed by sacred sites including Bhagwan Bameshwar Mahadev, Shri Pataleshwar Mahadev, Om Nageshwar Mahadev, the Kosi Temple and Maa Bala Sundari. He said the state government is committed to restoring and preserving these ancient spiritual centres. Adityanath contrasted the present situation with the period before 2017, claiming that festivals were then disrupted by violence and restrictions, whereas now Kanwar Yatra, Durga Puja, Diwali, Ram Navami and Janmashtami are celebrated peacefully and on a grand scale. The CM said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, UP is no longer a BIMARU state but has emerged as one of India's top three economies and among the country's fastest-growing. He said the state now leads in employment generation, farmer welfare and ranks among the top producers of food grains, milk, sugar and ethanol. Referring to the One District, One Product (ODOP) initiative, Adityanath said traditional industries in Rampur - including patchwork, zari work, violin manufacturing and mentha production - have gained international recognition while creating new employment opportunities for youth. The CM announced that the proposed Gorakhpur-Shamli Economic Corridor will pass through Rampur, connecting Gorakhpur with Siliguri and Shamli with Panipat, thereby boosting regional economic development....