Mohammad Tarique Saleem
Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Alok Ranjan has praised the leadership, governance model and development-oriented vision of former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav during an extensive interview with Red Ink. Drawing from his experience of working closely with the Samajwadi Party government, Ranjan described Akhilesh Yadav as a forward-looking leader who combined modern thinking with a strong commitment to public welfare and infrastructure development.
Throughout the interview, Alok Ranjan highlighted the significant transformation witnessed in Uttar Pradesh during Akhilesh Yadav’s tenure as Chief Minister. According to him, the former Chief Minister possessed a clear vision for the state’s future and was determined to modernize Uttar Pradesh through large-scale infrastructure projects, technological advancements and improved public services.
Ranjan noted that Akhilesh Yadav consistently encouraged innovation and efficiency in governance. He recalled that the former Chief Minister was deeply involved in monitoring major projects and ensuring that development initiatives were completed within stipulated timelines. This administrative focus, he said, played a crucial role in accelerating the pace of development across the state.
Speaking about landmark projects, Alok Ranjan referred to initiatives such as the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, Lucknow Metro and various urban development programmes that became symbols of a modernizing Uttar Pradesh. He stated that these projects reflected Akhilesh Yadav’s long-term vision and his desire to create world-class infrastructure capable of supporting economic growth and improving the quality of life of citizens.
The former Chief Secretary emphasized that one of Akhilesh Yadav’s greatest strengths was his ability to understand emerging trends and adopt modern technologies in governance. According to Ranjan, the former Chief Minister believed that technology could improve transparency, efficiency and accessibility in government functioning. This approach helped bring administrative reforms and better service delivery to the people.
During the interview (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIg7OoMSSko&t=451s), Ranjan also praised Akhilesh Yadav’s decision-making style. He described him as a leader who listened carefully to officials, encouraged professional advice and was willing to take bold decisions when required. Such an environment, he said, enabled bureaucrats to work effectively and focus on delivering results rather than becoming entangled in unnecessary delays.
Alok Ranjan further observed that Akhilesh Yadav maintained a development-centric approach throughout his tenure. Rather than focusing solely on short-term political considerations, he sought to lay the foundation for Uttar Pradesh’s long-term progress. The emphasis on roads, urban infrastructure, education, healthcare and technology reflected a broader vision for transforming the state’s economic and social landscape.
The former Chief Secretary remarked that governance succeeds when political leadership and administrative machinery work together with a common objective. In his view, Akhilesh Yadav’s tenure demonstrated how effective coordination between policymakers and civil servants can lead to the successful execution of ambitious projects and programmes.
Reflecting on his years in government, Ranjan suggested that Uttar Pradesh benefited from a leadership style that valued planning, execution and accountability. He credited Akhilesh Yadav with fostering an atmosphere where development projects received continuous attention and where innovation was encouraged within the administrative system.
Summing up his assessment, Alok Ranjan described Akhilesh Yadav as a visionary leader whose governance model prioritized development, modernization and public welfare. His observations provide a rare insider’s perspective on the functioning of the state administration and underscore the lasting impact that strong political leadership can have on governance and development.
