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Ram Rajya has arrived in UP, says Yogi Adityanath during Diwali celebrations in Ayodhya

NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath along with his cabinet reached Ayodhya on Wednesday in a bid to "recreate theyug Diwali " and to promote the city as a tourist destination."The government has sanctioned Rs 133 crore for Ayodhya. We are taking efforts so that Uttar Pradesh becomes tourism hub for India and the world. Ayodhya has taught the lesson on humanity to the world," Adityanath said while speaking at the "Deepotsav" or Diwali celebrations in the city."Ayodhya could get its identity, and respect, we're all present here. I am grateful to all the saints and ministers and all supporters present here. Remember, Ayodhya ki itni abaadi hai, utne deep jalenge (The number of diyas to be lit today is the population of Ayodhya)," he added.Explaining the true meaning of Ram Rajya, he said, "The real meaning of Ram Rajya is a home, electricity and LPG gas cylinders for all households."He also promised to provide 24x7 electricity to the city."Diwali gives us opportunity to take oath for the betterment. This is Ram Rajya, where there is no discrimination. It was Ravan Rajya which would discriminate on the basis of caste or background," he said.The chief minister wondered as to why there were negative discussions on Ayodhya."We are making an attempt to take it from negativity to positivity. I am happy all Ayodhya residents cooperated in this endeavour," he said.Adityanath, during the event, didn't shy away from taking a dig at the Congress-led opposition in the state."There are people in this country who will oppose every good initiative. If I come to Ayodhya, they'll question that. If I don't come to Ayodhya, they'll say I'm scared of coming here," he said,adding, "We don't discriminate on the basis of caste, creed and religion. In the previous 'Ravan Raj', there was discrimination on basis of family, caste and other factors."The chief minister said he found it below dignity to even to react to "insulting and dirty" allegations levelled by the opposition.Adityanath said this was first of the four phases planned for Ayodhya."There will be beautification of Ayodhya and its ghats. This effort will continue in other historic places. Be it Kashi, Mathura, Namisharayna (Sitapur), Mirzapur, Tulsipur (Balrampur), Saharanpur, we will develop historical places. The state should become a world tourism hub and it is a beginning from Ayodhya," he said.The chief minister said he wanted to restore the ancient glory of Ayodhya. Referring to the 1.71 of earthen lamps being lit on the bank of river Sarayu, Adityanath said the figure matched the population under the Ayodhya Nagar Nigam.Officials said that the 1.71 lakh earthen lamps being lit at an event could enter the Guinness Book of World Records.In his speech, UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said that "those opposed to Lord Ram cannot stop us from developing Ayodhya".Adityanath said that a 'Ramayan mela' will be associated with this programme next year onwards.UP Governor Ram Naik lauded the efforts of the Adityanath government in developing Ayodhya and thanked him for this assurance that all the work would be completed in two years, before his (Naik's) tenure ends.Prominent among others present included seers, Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma, Union Tourism Minister KJ Alphons and BJP state chief Mahendra Nath Pandey.After the main event, the stage was set for a grand laser show and 'aarti' (worship) of river Saryu.