Times Now Navbharat hosted its leadership conclave ‘Viksit Bharat – Samriddh Uttar Pradesh’ in Lucknow on Feb 17, bringing the state’s development journey and future growth roadmap into focus. The event highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s economic progress and its expanding role in India’s long-term development vision, with senior leaders outlining governance priorities, investment plans and policy initiatives.

According to a press release, the conclave celebrated Uttar Pradesh’s accelerated growth trajectory and its contribution to the broader national agenda. The event featured thematic sessions led by senior ministers from the Government of Uttar Pradesh, including Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Jal Shakti Minister Swatantra Dev Singh, Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh, and Vocational Education and Skill Development Minister Kapil Dev Aggarwal, among others.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Yogi Adityanath said Uttar Pradesh remains a state of “unlimited potential” and pointed to significant growth in the state’s budget over the years. He noted that when the government assumed office in 2017, the state budget stood at around Rs.3 lakh crore for 2016–17, while the current budget has crossed Rs.9.12 lakh crore, reflecting what he described as the state’s rapid development.

Adityanath credited the progress to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said the state had been brought onto a sustained development path over the past nine years. He asserted that the present Uttar Pradesh is a matter of pride not only for its residents but also for Indians globally, and recalled the state’s historic contribution to the national economy.

The Chief Minister also made political remarks ahead of the 2027 state assembly elections, challenging the Samajwadi Party led by Akhilesh Yadav to support the campaign for the restoration of Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura. Expressing confidence in his party’s prospects, he dismissed the opposition’s electoral chances and criticised the Indian National Congress, while also taking a swipe at its leader Rahul Gandhi.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, speaking on issues related to minority communities and cultural identity, said the government stands with all communities while opposing what he described as invaders who harmed the country’s cultural heritage. He emphasised that the administration’s policies aim to ensure social harmony and development for all sections of society.

In a separate session, Kapil Dev Aggarwal addressed the nameplate controversy linked to eateries during religious journeys, saying transparency in food offerings would help people make informed choices. He clarified that the initiative was not intended to create communal divisions but to prevent consumers from being misled.

Aggarwal also spoke about reforms in the Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), highlighting investments and infrastructure upgrades in the vocational education sector. He said the Tata Group has invested around Rs.7,000 crore in the sector, supporting the modernisation of ITIs with new machinery and technology. According to him, students are now being trained in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, drones, electric vehicles, solar energy, hospitality and medical services, with training programmes aligned to local employment needs.

Aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, the conclave outlined an action plan for Uttar Pradesh’s long-term growth, focusing on governance reforms, inclusive development and public welfare. The discussions also underscored the state’s ambition of becoming a USD 1 trillion economy.

The event was held with the Government of Uttar Pradesh as the State Partner, co-powered by Goldiee Group, and supported by associate sponsors Rungta Steel and Denver.