NDA’s Bihar victory reflects a growing trust in double-engine govts: Yogi Adityanath

The BJP government, he added, was committed to ensuring security, dignity, and self-reliance for tribal communities.

On the NDA victory in Bihar, the Chief Minister said, “Uttar Pradesh and Bihar share deep cultural and historical bonds. Theirs is a sacred connection between Lord Ram and Maa Janaki (Sita).”

Terming Sonbhadra as Uttar Pradesh’s energy capital and land of natural and historical heritage, the Chief Minister noted, “The strong representation of the tribal community at the event is a symbol of hope and aspiration.”

Adityanath announced development projects worth Rs 548 crore to boost connectivity and infrastructure in the district.

Highlighting Sonbhadra’s uniqueness, the Chief Minister said, “It is not only the energy capital but also a centre of human history and natural heritage. The 1.4-billion-year-old fossils at Salkhan Fossil Park, religious sites like Shivdwar Panchmukhi Mahadev and Jwalamukhi Shaktipeeth, and eco-tourism spots such as Hathi Nala and Biodiversity Park underscore its global and spiritual significance. With 14 of Uttar Pradesh’s 15 tribes residing here, the lives of over 4 lakh tribal people are a living legacy of human history and culture.”

The “Dharti Aaba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan” under the PM Jan Man Yojana is transforming infrastructure and development in 517 tribal-dominated villages in Uttar Pradesh, he added.

With a tribal population of around 11 lakh residing in districts including Sonbhadra, Chandauli, Mirzapur, Chitrakoot, Balrampur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Shravasti, and Bahraich, the government is ensuring no eligible family is left out of its schemes, the CM claimed.

Describing Sonbhadra as a model in education and skill development, he noted the establishment of Eklavya Model Residential School for 240 students, Government Ashram Vidyalayas for boys and girls, Kasturba Gandhi Girls Residential Schools expanded up to grade 12, and Atal Residential School for children of BOCW workers or orphaned children. Programs like “Abhyudaya” coaching are helping talented tribal youth succeed in competitive exams like NEET and IIT-JEE.

Highlighting local resources, the Chief Minister said tribal youth are being trained in eco-tourism and as guides, adding that traditional healers and herbalists were being encouraged to promote forest medicines, enhancing tribal incomes while preserving their knowledge and heritage.

During the programme, the “descendants of freedom fighters” were honoured and land parcels were allocated to them under the Forest Rights Act.

The celebration showcased India’s vibrant tribal culture through the Yak Dance from Arunachal Pradesh, the Surguja Tribal Group from Chhattisgarh, and the Karma Dance of Sonbhadra, officials said.