Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, known for his tough governance and uncompromising stance against “wokeism,” has made it clear that while Muslims in the state will benefit equally from development initiatives, they should not expect special privileges solely based on their status as a minority community.
In a wide-ranging interview with PTI, Adityanath defended his administration’s policies, particularly regarding public discipline, law enforcement, and religious neutrality in governance.
No Religious Exemptions for Law & Order
The chief minister took a firm stand against public disruptions, asserting that prayers should not obstruct roads, and any illegal activities will face his administration’s “bulldozer justice”.
“Roads are meant for walking,” he said, responding to criticism over warnings against offering namaz on public roads in Meerut. He added that those opposing such measures should “learn discipline from Hindus,” pointing to the 66 crore devotees who attended the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela without causing violence, arson, or destruction of property.
Criticism of Waqf Boards: A Call for Reform
Adityanath also criticized Waqf boards, accusing them of being centers of property misappropriation rather than contributing to public welfare.
“Waqf boards have become a tool for grabbing government property rather than serving the community,” he stated. He pointed out that Hindu temples and religious institutions actively contribute to education, healthcare, and social services, while Waqf properties have largely failed to provide similar welfare benefits to Muslims.
He strongly defended the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, stating that despite opposition, the reform was necessary, and Muslims themselves stood to benefit from it.
Bulldozer Justice: A Necessity, Not an Achievement
Adityanath addressed his “bulldozer model”—a highly publicized crackdown on illegal encroachments and criminal properties, which has now been adopted in other BJP-ruled states.
“I do not consider bulldozer justice an achievement but a necessity,” he remarked, emphasizing that the Supreme Court has never reprimanded his administration for its use.
However, this assertion contrasts with the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, where it criticized the UP government and ordered compensation for demolitions that lacked legal backing.
Despite growing speculation about his prime ministerial ambitions, Adityanath maintained that politics is not a full-time profession for him.
“Ultimately, I am a Yogi (monk) at heart,” he said, adding that his current focus remains on serving Uttar Pradesh as chief minister.
On the intersection of religion and politics, he argued that problems arise when politics is driven by self-interest rather than the greater good, asserting that religion should guide governance toward public welfare.
Asked how he wanted to be remembered, he said, “It is not the name but the work that should be remembered. One’s identity should be through their work, not their name.”
The chief minister dismissed political debates over language, asserting that Hindi should be respected while also embracing India’s linguistic diversity.
He claimed that Uttar Pradesh is actively teaching Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali, and Marathi in schools, challenging the notion that promoting regional languages diminishes Hindi’s importance.
However, Congress leader Karti Chidambaram challenged him to provide a list of schools offering these languages, suggesting that his claims lacked substantiation.
Adityanath highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s economic progress over the last eight years, stating that the state had grown into India’s second-largest economy, with per capita income doubling since 2017.
He pledged to bring UP’s per capita income on par with the national average by 2029-30, pointing out that at Independence, UP’s income matched the national average but had fallen to one-third of it by 2016-17.
On the future of Congress, he dismissed the party as a spent force, stating that it had lost its ideological roots and was now writing its death certificate.
“Considering its current trajectory, Congress has no future in India. The people have stopped supporting it,” he asserted.
Adityanath also reaffirmed the strength of the NDA alliance, stating that the BJP, under PM Modi’s leadership, would once again win the Bihar Assembly elections, with Nitish Kumar leading at the state level.
On rumors of tensions with BJP’s central leadership, he dismissed them outright, stating that if such differences existed, he would not be in office today.
Despite never being a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Adityanath acknowledged his strong ties with the organization.
“RSS respects anyone committed to India. It inspires everyone to walk the right path,” he said, explaining why he has earned their admiration despite his independent political roots.
In a political landscape where Hindutva, governance, and law enforcement are key electoral themes, Yogi Adityanath continues to dominate the discourse. Whether through his crackdowns on illegal activities, language debates, or economic promises, he presents himself as a leader focused on discipline, growth, and national identity—one who is not afraid of controversy but rather thrives on it.