Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asserted that not only Hindus but also Muslims feel the safest in the state. During an interview with ANI on the completion of eight years of his government, he emphasized that communal harmony is ensured when law and order are maintained.
Citing examples from Bangladesh and Pakistan, Yogi Adityanath stated that a Muslim family would feel secure among a hundred Hindu families, but the reverse might not hold true. He claimed that before 2017, when riots occurred in Uttar Pradesh, both Hindu and Muslim properties suffered damages. However, he emphasized that after his government took charge, such incidents ceased.
“In Uttar Pradesh, the Muslims are the safest. If Hindus are safe, then they are also safe. Before 2017, riots led to the destruction of both Hindu and Muslim shops and houses. But after 2017, we ensured an end to riots,” he said.
Sambhal Violence and Temple Revivals
Speaking about the violence in Sambhal, where four people lost their lives following a local court’s order to survey the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid, the Chief Minister vowed to restore temples in the region. He revealed that his government had identified 54 out of 64 pilgrimage sites and would continue efforts to locate the remaining ones.
The dispute in Sambhal arose due to claims by Hindutva groups that the mosque was constructed over a demolished Hindu temple. The Muslim community has refuted these claims. Addressing the issue, Yogi Adityanath reaffirmed his commitment to uncovering the historical significance of religious sites in the state.
Criticism of Opposition and the Bulldozer Policy
The Uttar Pradesh CM did not hold back in criticizing Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav, labeling him a follower of Mughal rulers Aurangzeb and Babur. He accused the opposition party of glorifying figures from the Mughal dynasty. “Those who follow and idolize Aurangzeb and Babur eventually imbibe their characteristics,” he remarked.
Defending his government’s controversial bulldozer action against illegal constructions, Yogi Adityanath justified the approach, stating that it was necessary to maintain law and order. While the Supreme Court has raised concerns over such demolitions, the Chief Minister argued that stringent measures are sometimes required to deter lawlessness. “Laws and regulations are for those who follow them. If someone resorts to violence, we must respond appropriately,” he said.
Maha Kumbh and the BJP’s Role
Refuting opposition claims that the Maha Kumbh was a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) event, Yogi Adityanath pointed out that leaders from the Congress and Samajwadi Party also attended the religious gathering. He reiterated that the event was successfully organized due to collaboration between the state and central governments.
The Maha Kumbh, considered the world’s largest religious gathering, witnessed an estimated 60 crore devotees over its 45-day duration. However, a tragic stampede in late January resulted in the loss of at least 30 lives.
Future Leadership Prospects
When questioned about his potential third term as Chief Minister in 2027, Yogi Adityanath deferred to the BJP’s decision-making process. He stated that any party worker could be chosen for the role, underscoring the party’s collective leadership approach. The Chief Minister’s remarks come at a time when law and order, religious disputes, and electoral prospects remain key focal points in Uttar Pradesh’s political landscape. His government continues to emphasize security and religious revival as significant pillars of its governance strategy.
