Independence means ending poverty, illiteracy, inequality: Yogi

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hoisted the national flag in Lucknow on August 15, 2026, and said independence is 'complete liberation' from poverty, illiteracy and inequality. He urged all 140 crore Indians to contribute equally to preserve freedom.

Adityanath recalled the 1857 War of Independence and leaders such as Mangal Pandey, Rani Lakshmibai, and Dhansingh Kotwal. He said 25 crore people have been freed from multidimensional poverty over eight decades.

The Chief Minister praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's focus on four castes, the poor, youth, women, and farmers. He listed achievements including new AIIMS, medical colleges, and metro and Vande Bharat services.