“Muslims Safe if Hindus Safe”: Yogi Defends UP’s Communal Harmony, Slams Congress

New Delhi- Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asserted that people of all religions are safe in the state, adding that Muslims’ safety is intertwined with that of Hindus. In a recent interview with news agency ANI, Adityanath described himself as a “Yogi” who wishes for everyone’s happiness and highlighted Hindus’ religious tolerance.

“A Muslim family is the safest among 100 Hindu families. They will have the freedom to practise all religious customs. But can 50 Hindus be safe among 100 Muslim families? No. Bangladesh is an example. Before this, Pakistan was an example. What happened in Afghanistan?” Adityanath remarked, underscoring what he views as historical religious intolerance.

The Chief Minister claimed that Uttar Pradesh has seen no communal riots since the BJP came to power in 2017, contrasting the current situation with previous years. “If there were riots in UP before 2017, if Hindu shops were burning, then Muslim shops were also burning. After 2017, the riots stopped,” he stated.

Defending Sanatan Dharma, Adityanath described it as the “most ancient religion” in the world and said there are no historical records of Hindu rulers imposing their faith on others. “Sanatan Dharma followers have not converted others to their faith. There is no example anywhere in the world where Hindu rulers, using their strength, have established dominion over others,” he said.

In a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Adityanath claimed Gandhi’s actions benefit the BJP. “His Bharat Jodo Abhiyan was actually Bharat Todo Abhiyan. He criticises India outside India. The country has understood his nature and intentions,” Adityanath remarked.

He also accused the Congress of deliberately keeping the Ayodhya dispute unresolved and neglecting Hindu cultural heritage. “Why did the Congress not abolish triple talaq? Why did the Congress not promote Kumbh with pride? Why did Congress fail to provide world-class infrastructure?” he questioned.

On the ongoing religious disputes in the state, Adityanath reiterated the government’s commitment to reclaiming temple sites. Referring to the legal battle over Sambhal’s Shahi Jama Masjid, he asserted, “Islam says places of worship constructed after destroying Hindu temples are not accepted by God. Then why were they built?” He added that the government would continue to revive temples as evidence emerges.

Regarding the Mathura mosque dispute, he said the government is respecting court decisions, adding, “Otherwise, who knows what could have happened by now?”