Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has stirred a nationwide debate, stating that while colonialism by the British and French is often discussed, the role of “political Islam” in undermining Sanatan Dharma has been largely ignored.
Speaking at the “Vichar-Parivar Kutumb Sneh Milan” and “Deepotsav Se Rashtrotsav” programmes in Gorakhpur, organized to mark the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) centenary, CM Yogi said great warriors like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Maharana Pratap, Maharana Sanga, and Guru Gobind Singh fought against political Islam, but their struggles are seldom highlighted in historical discourse.
“Our ancestors fought major struggles against political Islam, yet this aspect of history remains largely overlooked,” he said.
Addressing a gathering at the Yogiraj Baba Gambhirnath Auditorium, the Chief Minister praised the RSS for its pivotal role in the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya after 500 years of struggle. He said the RSS’s century-long journey made the seemingly impossible, possible.
“While members of the SP, Congress, and INDI alliance questioned the Ram Temple, the RSS volunteers remained steadfast in their resolve that the temple would be built. The Sangh endured restrictions, and its volunteers faced lathicharge and bullets, and today, the magnificent Shri Ram Temple stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment,” he said.
Taking a jibe at the SP chief, CM Yogi remarked, “The throne can be inherited, but not wisdom. Only the ignorant oppose Diwali.”
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a sharp attack on Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav over his remarks on Ayodhya’s Deepotsav, saying that opposing the lighting of diyas on Diwali reflects contempt for the Ram Temple, Sanatan Dharma, and its traditions. He added that such statements also insult the Prajapati (potter) community, which plays a vital role in crafting diyas.
CM Yogi noted that Ayodhya, once desolate eight and a half years ago, now shines with new glory through its grand Deepotsav celebrations, which set a new world record this year with 26.17 lakh diyas. He criticized the SP chief’s remarks suggesting diyas be replaced with candles, calling it an affront to farmers who grow oilseeds and potters who craft the lamps. “If Akhilesh had understood the struggles of potters before 2017, he wouldn’t have made such a childish statement,” the CM said, adding that over two crore people depend on the earthenware trade, which represents self-reliance and cultural heritage.
CM Yogi further said that Akhilesh Yadav harbors disdain for Sanatan festivals and deities, adding, “He talks about installing a statue of Duryodhana; we told him to put up one of Kansa as well.”
Branding the Samajwadi Party as “traitors to Ram, Krishna, and Sanatan festivals,” he reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the cultural revival of sacred cities like Ayodhya, Mathura, and Vrindavan, the sacred centers of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
Taking aim at the Congress, CM Yogi said the party had once denied the very existence of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna, even filing an affidavit in court claiming they were myths. He recalled that the SP government had ordered firing on Ram devotees. “Today, the entire world is captivated by the divine presence of Lord Ram in Ayodhya. Last year, six crore devotees visited Ayodhya, while 66 crore witnessed the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj,” he said, adding that the SP and Congress have always opposed such cultural resurgence.
CM Yogi also highlighted the dangers of “political Islam,” noting that while the nation often discusses colonial resistance, it tends to overlook this ideological challenge. “Our ancestors fought not only against the British and French but also against political Islam; heroes like Veer Shivaji and Maharana Pratap stand testimony to this,” he said.
Referring to contemporary threats, he alleged that activities promoting “political Islam” continue under various guises. He stated that Uttar Pradesh has banned the sale of Halal-certified products, claiming that profits from such sales were being used to fund religious conversions, love jihad, and terrorism. The CM urged people to support and purchase indigenous products instead.
Speaking about the RSS centenary initiatives, CM Yogi outlined five key areas of transformation: social harmony, family values, environmental protection, self-reliance through indigenous goods, and civic responsibility—describing them as the foundation of a Viksit Bharat. “For a developed society and a developed nation, society must lead, and the government must follow,” he said.
RSS Pracharak Ramesh, the special guest, welcomed the Chief Minister, stating that there is no distinction between Sanatan, Bharat, and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh; all three are synonymous. He lauded the Sangh as the world’s first self-reliant organisation that has stood firm through a century of challenges. The event was presided over by Provincial Sanghchalak Dr. Mahendra Agarwal and was attended by numerous public representatives, RSS officials, and volunteers from 28 Sangh-affiliated organisations, along with their families.