ET Online — Mar 27, 2025, 05:26 PM IST
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the people of Agra identify more with the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj than with the Mughal era during a public event in the city, according to a report by The Economic Times.
Addressing a gathering to mark the eighth anniversary of the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government, Yogi said that Agra’s cultural roots are firmly grounded in Indian tradition, including Brajbhoomi, Vrindavan Bihari Lal, and Radha Rani, rather than its association with Mughal rule. He stated that if the city’s identity were to be linked to any historical figure, it should be Shivaji Maharaj, the 17th-century Maratha warrior king.
The Chief Minister also highlighted a decision by his government to rename a proposed Mughal museum project in Agra, shifting focus instead toward recognizing Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy. Plans for a memorial dedicated to Shivaji Maharaj in Agra were also announced as part of this shift in emphasis.
In addition to cultural remarks, Yogi inaugurated 128 development projects worth ₹635 crore aimed at boosting Agra’s infrastructure, economy, and welfare initiatives. He noted improvements in the city’s industries—such as support for petha and leather sectors—as well as broader progress in infrastructure, safety, and public services under his administration.
The projects include plans for Metro Rail completion in Agra, enhanced water supply through the Ganga project, expansion of civil aviation facilities, and increased household amenities like tap water connections. Welfare schemes like PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi and housing programs were also highlighted.
Yogi asserted that infrastructure and welfare improvements since 2017 demonstrate a positive transformation in public services and quality of life for citizens across Uttar Pradesh.