Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday launched the two-day ‘Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Training Mega-Campaign 2026’ in Gorakhpur, describing it as part of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s wider ideological and organisational training initiative. The programme brought together party workers and leaders from across the region.

Speaking at the event, CM Yogi said the training camp reflects the BJP’s ideological foundation inspired by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, who played a key role in shaping the Jana Sangh and was deeply influenced by the values of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. He highlighted Upadhyaya’s concept of “Antyodaya”, stressing that governance and economic policy should focus on uplifting the most deprived sections of society.

Yogi Adityanath reiterated that Antyodaya must remain at the core of policymaking, saying that the idea places the last person in society at the centre of development efforts and continues to guide India’s political and economic approach. He further said that India has undergone a major welfare transformation over the last 12 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pointing to large-scale initiatives in sanitation, housing, healthcare, water supply, and food security. According to him, these schemes have benefited crores of citizens and significantly reduced poverty levels.

Citing government data, he noted that toilets have been built for around 12 crore poor households, while nearly 4 crore families have received housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. He also mentioned that millions now have access to clean drinking water through tap connections at home.

The Chief Minister added that welfare programmes such as Ayushman Bharat have reached nearly 50 crore people, while around 80 crore citizens are receiving free food grains. He claimed these initiatives have helped approximately 25 crore people move above the poverty line and transition into the middle class, enabling greater participation in India’s development journey. CM Yogi also held a Janta Darshan at the Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur, where he listened to public grievances. He later visited the temple’s gaushala and fed cattle as part of his routine engagements.