CM Yogi Adityanath strongly attacked the opposition during his speech in the winter session of the assembly on Monday. During his speech, CM yogi asserted that “Jai Shri Ram” slogan can never be communal. Attacking opposition’s claim that the slogan triggered Sambhal and Bahraich violence, Yogi Adityanath exposed the oppositions divisive politics and intent.
“Why Can’t Hindu Procession Pass Through Muslim Areas?”
Yogi Adityanath questioned the opposition as to why can’t a Hindu processions pass through a Muslim dominated area? He also questioned the Muslim side for non reciprocity of tolerance shown by the Hindus. He said, “I want to ask ‘if a Muslim procession can peacefully pass through a Hindu locality and in front of a temple, why can’t a Hindu procession pass through a Muslim locality? This is where the controversy begins. You expect your festivals to proceed peacefully but deny the same right to others.”
Continuing further he said, “Where is it written in the constitution that a Hindu procession cannot take place in a Muslim-majority area? And when you stop it, then the Hindu side reacts by saying, ‘we won’t let you go either.’ I am surprised by such actions, saying that they won’t allow the procession to pass in front of a mosque. Why shouldn’t they allow it? Is the road anyone’s private property? These are public roads. How can you stop it”
मैं यही पूछना चाहता हूं,
जब कोई हिंदू शोभायात्रा, किसी मस्जिद के सामने व मुस्लिम बाहुल्य क्षेत्र से निकलती है, तब क्यों तनाव पैदा हो जाता है? pic.twitter.com/yCGtgJyfrE
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) December 16, 2024
“Jai Shri Ram,” Not a Provocative Slogan!
Reportedly referring to the Bahraich procession, CM Yogi Adityanath said, “All arrangements were made to carry forward the traditional procession, yet there were allegations that provocative slogans were being raised. Let me clarify: the slogan ‘Jai Shri Ram’ is not provocative. It is a slogan of our faith and a symbol of our belief.”
He further added, “Tomorrow, if I say I don’t like the slogan ‘Allah Hu Akbar,’ will you agree with me? Our heritage is so rich and ancient that we can proudly carry forward our traditions. I can live my entire life with salutations like Jai Shri Ram, Har Har Mahadev, and Radhe Radhe. We don’t need any other form of greeting.”
He also slammed the opposition for questioning the need for survey. Responding to the statement of the Leader of opposition, he said, “Babarnama’ itself mentions that the structure was built by demolishing Harihar temple. The Puranas also state that the tenth incarnation of Shri Hari Vishnu will take place in Sambhal.” He further highlighted that the survey was conducted under court instructions.
“The survey was conducted on November 19, 21, and 24 without any disruption during the first two days. However, the atmosphere deteriorated after inflammatory speeches delivered before and during Friday prayers on November 23. The situation that unfolded thereafter is known to everyone,” said CM Yogi Adityanath.
“Those Shedding Crocodile Tears Kept Mum…”
Further he challenged the opposition with the NCRB data and said that there has been a remarkable decline of 97-99% in communal riots since 2017. Based upon NCRB data he said, “Since 2017, there have been no riots in Uttar Pradesh. In contrast, during the Samajwadi Party’s tenure from 2012 to 2017, the state saw 815 communal riots, resulting in 192 deaths. Between 2007 and 2011, there were 616 communal incidents, claiming 121 lives.”
Continuing further he also exposed the hypocrisy of the opposition while stating the history of communal disturbances in Sambhal. “In 1947, one person lost their life, and six died in 1948. Riots occurred in 1958 and 1962, with five fatalities reported in 1976. In 1978, 184 Hindus were burned alive, leading to curfews that lasted for several months.” he stated emphasizing the persistent issue in that region.
The CM further highlighted the fact that since 1947, 209 Hindus have been killed in Sambal. Yet not a single word in support for the innocent lives lost has been spoken. Exposing the opposition’s hypocrisy and appeasement politics, CM Yogi Adityanath remarked, “Those shedding crocodile tears have kept mum over the innocent Hindus who lost their lives.”
During his speech, he gave a clear message to the opposition that the government’s goal is to promote unity and integrity. He also highlighted the fact that the Lucknow Shia-Sunni dispute came to an end under the BJP rule while alleging that the SP used to divide the Muslim community. He remarked, “That’s why we said, Hum na batenge, na katenge (We will not get divided).”