Overview
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other senior leaders posted public birthday greetings on X on Friday, June 5, and Yogi Adityanath replied to Modi’s message of support.
- On his birthday, which coincided with World Environment Day, Yogi planted a sapling in Lucknow under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign and urged public participation in the drive.
- Yogi said the Uttar Pradesh government has planted 242 crore saplings over his nine-year tenure and announced a near-term target to plant 5 crore trees, with more than 50 crore saplings reported available through the state forest department.
- Messages of congratulations came from across party lines, including BJP figures such as Amit Shah and regional chief ministers as well as BSP leader Mayawati, who all praised his role in the state’s development.
- The public greetings and the Environment Day event reflect a deliberate use of ceremonial occasions and social media to promote a governance-centered narrative about Uttar Pradesh and to mobilize citizens around the plantation campaign.