Yogi Adityanath on Safety in Uttar Pradesh: ‘If Hindus Are Safe, Muslims Are Also Safe’

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has reiterated that people from all religions are safe in the state under his administration. He emphasized that if Hindus are secure, then Muslims are equally protected. He also pointed out that since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2017, communal riots have ceased in Uttar Pradesh.

Speaking at a press conference marking the completion of eight years of the BJP government, Adityanath addressed concerns over communal violence, stating that a Muslim family is the safest among a hundred Hindu families. However, he questioned whether 50 Hindu families would feel equally secure among a hundred Muslim families. He cited Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan as examples to highlight his concerns regarding religious demographics and communal harmony.

“In Uttar Pradesh, Muslims are the safest. If Hindus are safe, then they are also safe. Before 2017, communal riots resulted in losses for both Hindus and Muslims—shops, houses, and properties were burned. However, after 2017, the riots have completely stopped,” he said in an interview with ANI.

Adityanath described himself as a leader who believes in equal treatment for all, stating, “I am an ordinary citizen of Uttar Pradesh and a Yogi who wishes for everyone’s happiness. I believe in everyone’s support and development.”

Sanatan Dharma and Historical Perspective

The Chief Minister also spoke about Sanatan Dharma, calling it the world’s oldest religion and culture. He emphasized that Hindu rulers have never imposed their faith on others through force or conquest.

“Sanatan Dharma is the most ancient religion and culture in the world. Followers of Sanatan Dharma have never converted others. But what have they received in return? There is no instance in history where Hindu rulers have used their power to establish dominion over others,” Adityanath stated.

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Law & Order During Festivals

Discussing law and order management during Ram Navami and Eid, he said that the administration has developed a standard operating procedure (SOP) to ensure peaceful celebrations. He also highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s efforts in controlling external noise pollution, in line with Supreme Court guidelines.

Regarding the controversy over covering mosques with tarpaulin during Holi, Adityanath clarified that strict instructions were issued to prevent color throwing at mosques. However, he also argued that colors do not harm anyone’s religious beliefs.

“If you are playing with colors, it does not harm anyone’s existence. Similarly, during Muharram, flags are carried in processions. If the shadow of that flag falls on a Hindu house near a temple, does it make the house impure? There are strict instructions to ensure respect for all religious sentiments, and any necessary clean-up is handled by the administration,” he said.

Adityanath’s statements come at a time when discussions on communal harmony and religious tolerance continue to be key topics in Indian politics. His remarks underline his government’s focus on maintaining law and order while ensuring safety for all communities in Uttar Pradesh.