'Mafia who had a free run in 2017 are now begging for life': UP CM

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday highlighted how his government has dealt with the criminals and said that criminals are now "begging for life" in the state.

"Before 2017, the mafia dons and professional criminals would proudly wander on streets. The youths, women and traders were scared to venture out of their homes. The shops used to close before sunset and markets wore a deserted look," Hindustan Times quoted Yogi as saying at a public meeting in Unnao.

However, the situation has changed once the BJP government came to power in 2017, he said.

"After 2017, the markets are open late in the night. The women can step out of their homes without any fear. Those mafia dons and professional criminals are begging for their lives", the UP CM added. "There is no place for any mafia dons or criminals in Uttar Pradesh. There is no place for corruption and the corrupt either", he pointed out.

The UP Chief Minister kicked off the urban body election campaign from Saharanpur on Monday and appreciated the law and order situation in the state.

"Rangdari na Firauti, Ab UP nahi hai kisi ki Bapauti" (No extortions or kidnappings for ransom take place in the state and UP is no longer a family's legacy)," he said at a gathering at Maharaj Singh Degree College on Janta Road.

He claimed that mafias and criminals were a thing of the past as his state has had evolved into a symbol of safety, prosperity, and employment.

"We have taken the schemes of the government to the masses without any discrimination and with everyone's support, faith and effort. We have brought among you a qualified doctor for the post of mayor from Saharanpur, who will cure all the diseases that exist. Moreover, our police are strong enough to deal with the mafias," he added.

The urban local body elections will be held in two phases on May 4 and 11. The counting of votes would be done on May 13.

With inputs from agencies.