Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday announced that Miyanpur village in Lakhimpur Kheri district will be renamed Rabindranagar. Addressing a public gathering, he said the earlier name did not reflect the identity of the people living there.
“There is not a single ‘Miyan’ here, yet it was named Miyanpur. This will now change,” he said. He added that the village would be named after Rabindranath Tagore, saying, “You will now be identified with Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, who gave India its national anthem.”
Land Rights for Bangladeshi Hindu Families
During the visit, the Chief Minister distributed land ownership certificates to 331 Bangladeshi Hindu families, giving them legal rights over the land they have been living on for years.
“Look at how wrongdoing speaks for itself. These people were persecuted and displaced. They came here with nothing, but earlier governments only took their votes and never gave them ownership rights,” Adityanath said. He alleged that past governments tried to “hide their identity” instead of addressing their concerns.
Outreach to Tharu Community and Freedom Fighters’ Families
Earlier in Palia, Adityanath also handed over land ownership certificates to thousands of families, including members of the Tharu tribal community and descendants of freedom fighters. He said generations had struggled for these rights.
“Those who sacrificed everything for the country were deprived even after Independence,” he said. Referring to the past, he added, “Their lands were taken, they were tortured, and even after resettlement, they were not given ownership.”
The Chief Minister assured that government departments would no longer interfere in people’s land rights. “Illegal land grabbing and manipulation will be stopped. I assure you, no one will be able to oppress you now,” he said.
Political Attack on Previous Governments
Adityanath used the occasion to target previous governments, particularly the Congress and Samajwadi Party, accusing them of neglecting marginalised communities.
“They divided society, took away your rights, and created an identity crisis. Today, our government is working to fulfil your dreams,” he said. He also claimed that earlier development was limited to select areas. “Earlier, planning was centred only in Saifai. Today, 25 crore people are our family,” he added.
Remarks on Partition and Minorities
Speaking on historical issues, Adityanath said the Partition of India had deeply affected minority communities in neighbouring countries. “Who suffered the most? Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis and Christians living there suffered,” he said, linking their displacement to present-day rehabilitation efforts.
Addressing the Tharu community, the Chief Minister spoke about connecting them with industries and promoting self-reliance. He highlighted efforts to support local businesses and generate employment in the region.
He also announced that cases filed against members of the Tharu community during the previous Samajwadi Party government would be withdrawn. “False cases were filed against innocent people. We will ensure justice,” he said.
