Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused the Samajwadi Party of favouritism in government recruitment before 2017, asserting that the state now prioritises merit, hard work and sporting achievements. He described the NDA as the “Naukri Denge Alliance” (Alliance for Providing Jobs), contrasting it with what he called the earlier “Pradesh Dubao Alliance” (Alliance for Ruining the State).
Adityanath was speaking at Lok Bhavan in Lucknow after distributing appointment letters to 470 sportspersons recruited under the skilled player quota in the Uttar Pradesh Police. The recruits include 43 sub-inspectors and 295 constables in the Civil Police, along with 132 constables in the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC).
The Chief Minister said the appointments reflected a recruitment system in which candidates no longer needed recommendations or influence to secure government jobs. He asked the recruits whether anyone had demanded money or sought recommendations during the selection process, describing their appointments as the outcome of their dedication and hard work rather than government favour.
Targeting the Samajwadi Party, Adityanath alleged that recruitment and law and order had suffered during its tenure. He claimed that Uttar Pradesh’s identity had shifted from crime-related incidents to the medals won by its sportspersons.
The Chief Minister said his government had provided government employment to 10 lakh young people. He also criticised the opposition’s claims on youth employment, comparing them to a crocodile preaching peace while sitting in water.
Adityanath urged the newly appointed personnel to view their recruitment as the beginning of a new phase rather than the end of their sporting careers. He emphasised regular practice, discipline, teamwork and improved performance, adding that promotions should follow merit and achievement. He encouraged the athletes to pursue new records and assured them that they should not compromise their sporting ambitions out of concern for job security.
He also advised young people to stay away from alcohol and drugs, urging sportspersons to become ambassadors of anti-addiction campaigns. “A player’s hand should be on the podium, not on a packet of drugs,” he said, while stressing that time spent watching social media reels could be better invested in sports.
The Chief Minister proposed that police personnel recruited through the sports quota be associated with villages and organise sporting activities at least once a week. The initiative, he suggested, could help identify and nurture rural talent while encouraging greater participation in sports.
Highlighting the government’s sports initiatives, Adityanath said seven medal-winning athletes from international competitions, including hockey players Lalit Upadhyay and Rajkumar Pal, had been appointed as deputy superintendents of police. He added that sportspersons had received incentives worth more than ₹200 crore and that recruitment opportunities were being expanded across departments.
He also outlined plans for sports colleges and centres of excellence in every division, alongside village playgrounds, mini-stadiums at block level and the development of sports infrastructure across the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said securing a government job did not mean the end of an athlete’s sporting journey. Sports Minister Girish Chandra Yadav highlighted the state’s sports policy and increased prize money for athletes.
Director General of Police Rajeev Krishna said 950 skilled sportspersons had been recruited since 2022. He also reported 513 out-of-turn promotions across various police ranks, recognising sporting achievements and performance.
Senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad and senior police officers, attended the programme, along with the recruits’ family members.
The appointment drive is part of the state government’s broader effort to link sporting achievement with public employment while expanding opportunities for athletes in Uttar Pradesh.
