Lucknow: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday lauded Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for carrying forward women-led development in the state.


Speaking during launch of the ‘Mission Shakti 3.0 programme’ in Lucknow, Sitharaman said the campaign focuses on ensuring safety and dignity of women and girls.


The Finance Minister also used the occasion to shower praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.


“When Modi ji became PM, he auctioned all gifts he had received as the Gujarat CM and donated money for education of girl children. He introduced several women as ministers during the recent Cabinet expansion,” she said.


“Where women are worshiped, the gods reside there. #UPCM @myogiadityanath ji started the 'Mission Shakti' campaign with the aim of women's safety, respect and self-reliance. The women are today moving forward with a fearless attitude. Contributing to the development of the country and the state. #strong_woman_good_state,” the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister’s office tweeted in Hindi.



Sitharaman further said “there was a bit of hesitation when defence corridor was announced for Uttar Pradesh”.


“Industrial climate prevails in many states like TN, Gujarat, Haryana and others. While, agriculture and MSME were more important to UP. But today, the CM has shown it by doing it,” ANI quoted Sitharaman as saying.


“I am very proud of the CM (Yogi Adityanath) who understands the larger national interest, translates that into state's policies and takes it at the executional level to the last mile,” she added.


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Speaking on the occasion, Adityanath said the state government is “connecting Meerut in west UP with Prayagraj in east UP”.


Stating the “Ganga Expressway will become the backbone of state's economy”, the Chief Minister said the travelling time from Lucknow to Meerut will decrease to 5 hours and 6.5 hours from Prayagraj to Meerut through the Ganga Expressway.


Adityanath further said the state government had decided to create 594 km-long expressway between Prayagraj and Meerut.


“93% of land acquisition process is complete. Agra-Lucknow expressway has been completed. I'm grateful to PM Modi and the Finance Minister for allocation of funds in the Union Budget for big infrastructure development,” he added.


Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel was also present on the occasion.