Yogi Adityanath recalls Sambhal in Assembly : Mandates, ‘We should get what is ours’
On Tuesday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the state Assembly, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming religious and cultural heritage that rightfully belongs to Hindus. He reiterated that the community should regain control of its spiritual and historical sites, which hold immense religious and cultural significance.
While participating in a discussion on the state Budget that was presented last week, CM Adityanath highlighted the ongoing efforts of his government to restore and revive places of worship that had either been abandoned, shut down, or destroyed over time. He specifically mentioned that in the Sambhal district alone, his government had successfully identified and restored 54 religious sites and pilgrimage centers that had remained non-functional or had suffered damage in the past.
Dismissing accusations that the BJP promotes a communal mindset, Adityanath firmly stated that both his party and government have always stood by their words and actions. He insisted that there had been no deviation from their stated goals and that they remained committed to their principles.
“We have always done what we said, and we continue to say what we believe in. We should rightfully receive what belongs to us,” he declared in the Assembly. “The truth may be bitter, but one must have the courage to accept it.”
The Chief Minister also aimed at the Samajwadi Party (SP), accusing it of straying from the socialist ideals originally championed by its ideological forebear, Ram Manohar Lohia. According to Adityanath, Lohia firmly believed that India’s well-being was deeply rooted in the values and teachings of Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, and Lord Shankar.
Referring to the grand-scale organization of the Maha Kumbh, the Chief Minister asserted that while the entire world recognized the state’s ability to host such a massive spiritual gathering, the Opposition had instead chosen to spread negativity about it. He claimed that their attempts to discredit the event had failed, as neither the people of Uttar Pradesh nor the citizens of the country had paid heed to their criticism.
“For the Opposition, this marks the beginning of their political downfall. They claimed that our ideology is communal, but I ask them—how is it communal?” he questioned. “We talk about inclusive development, about taking everyone along. We do not discriminate against anyone based on caste, creed, or religion. The Maha Kumbh itself stands as the perfect example of this principle, as it was organized with equal respect for all, without any bias.”
Turning his focus to the recent unrest in Sambhal, where violent clashes broke out following protests over a survey conducted at the Shahi Jama Masjid in Chandausi, Adityanath mentioned a significant religious event that had taken place in the district. He stated that after a long gap of 56 years, a jalabhishek (a sacred water offering ritual) was finally conducted at a historic Shiv temple in Sambhal on February 26, marking a momentous occasion for the devotees in the region.
Further elaborating on the religious sites in the district, he revealed that at least 87 places of worship had been rendered non-functional or had fallen into disrepair over time. Among them, 68 were recognized as major pilgrimage centers (teerths), while the remaining 19 were wells of religious importance. Many of these sites had been closed due to various reasons during a certain period in history. However, his government took proactive measures to identify and restore 54 of these sites, ensuring that they were reopened for worship and religious activities.
Adityanath’s speech in the Assembly underscored his government’s commitment to reviving cultural and religious heritage while simultaneously challenging the Opposition’s narrative. He asserted that his administration remains dedicated to the preservation of India’s spiritual identity and historical traditions, rejecting any attempts to portray their efforts as discriminatory or divisive.
