Rajya Sabha MP and former Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Dr Dinesh Sharma on Wednesday accused the Opposition of damaging the nation’s reputation by fuelling divisive politics, while asserting that the BJP-led governments are strengthening India’s global image through youth empowerment and sports promotion.
Addressing a gathering in Lucknow, Dr Sharma said Opposition parties remained preoccupied with casteism and communalism to gain power, whereas the BJP was channelling the energy of young people towards nation-building.
He cited the MP Sports Festival, held from 29 September to 25 December to mark Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth anniversary, as a key example of this approach.
Drawing a sharp contrast with previous regimes, Dr Sharma alleged that earlier Opposition governments pushed youth towards crime by enabling the growth of mafia networks, while the present government was nurturing athletes.
He said that earlier governments announced rewards for criminals, whereas today the authorities award prizes to sportspersons, a shift that has helped enhance India’s standing in the sporting world.
According to him, sports initiatives are not only improving physical fitness but also opening doors to employment in both government and private sectors, offering young people constructive alternatives.
Dr Sharma highlighted the rise of rural sports talent, noting that children in villages who once played only traditional games are now actively participating in cricket, hockey and football.
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives for turning what were once distant dreams into reality, saying India’s sports message was now reaching global audiences.
He said the MP Sports Festival would conclude at CMS Ground on Kanpur Road on Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth anniversary, and the Prime Minister would address the event virtually.
Athletes from various constituencies will be honoured, which, he said, would inspire youth across the state.
Dr Sharma also referred to the Prime Minister’s visit to Lucknow for Atal Jayanti celebrations and the inauguration of the Rashtra Prerna Sthal, describing it as a source of motivation for future generations.
He lauded Sarojini Nagar MLA Dr Rajeshwar Singh for organising the highest number of competitions in his constituency and for the strong performance of local athletes.
The MP also acknowledged Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya’s role in taking sports to villages nationwide.
Concluding, Dr Sharma asserted that under the Modi-Yogi leadership, Uttar Pradesh and India were progressing firmly, leaving no space for mafia or corruption and focusing solely on patriotism and development.
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