Those who made bombs are troubled by the ‘Bam-Bam’ chants of Shiva devotees: CM Yogi’s dig at Opposition

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, stating here on Friday that it sounds absurd when Congress and the Samajwadi Party speak about faith, said, “These people had imposed restrictions on the Kanwar Yatra. They had no objection to bombs being thrown at traders or to making country-made pistols and bombs but objected to Shiva devotees walking while chanting ‘Har Har’ and ‘Bam-Bam’.”

Showing his kurta, the Chief Minister remarked, “They (the Opposition) used to be irritated by this saffron colour. These are the same people who had imposed restrictions on Shri Krishna Janmashtami, Ram Navami processions, and Durga Puja pandals.”

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Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 90 development projects worth more than ₹868 crore for the Muradnagar and Modinagar Assembly constituencies in Ghaziabad. He unveiled the statue of former Cabinet Minister Rajpal Tyagi, inspected the exhibition and gathered information about the models prepared by children. CM also performed annaprashan for several children.

Referring to a meeting on the Kanwar Yatra in 2017, the CM said that the old government order stated that the Kanwar Yatra could lead to riots and therefore should be stopped. “If some people undertake this yatra, they should be stopped from ringing bells, conches, and other traditional instruments,” he added, quoting the order. When he asked officials about the preparations, they informed him that the yatra could be conducted peacefully, he said.

“I said that this is a pilgrimage of Shiva devotees who are devoted to Lord Mahadev. People from every section of society, including Dalits, deprived sections, and backward castes, participate in this yatra with devotion to Lord Shiva. We will provide them security and facilities; there will be no restrictions.”

“I took responsibility for ensuring that no riot would occur because a true devotee never behaves in an undisciplined manner. He follows decorum because harmony is an integral part of his life,” he added.

The CM said that the Kanwar Yatra from Haridwar to Ghaziabad has now become the largest Kanwar Yatra in the country. “People from across the country and abroad come to witness it because this is possible only in India.” He said that those who do not understand faith had imposed restrictions on the Ram Temple movement, Kanwar Yatra, and Shri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations. “Now no one can stop the Kanwar Yatra.”

He appealed to all Kanwar associations and Shiva devotees to maintain the dignity and discipline of the event. “Do not give any opportunity to opponents. Coordinate well with the administration; the government will make arrangements for a grand Kanwar Yatra,” he said, noting that a dedicated Kanwar route has now been developed from Ghaziabad to Haridwar.