Forcibly seizing someone’s faith and trampling over their beliefs is unacceptable… UP CM Yogi Aditya Nath
Amid ongoing debates and legal disputes over the Sambhal mosque controversy, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made a strong statement on Wednesday, emphasizing that forcibly altering someone’s faith or disregarding their religious beliefs is entirely unacceptable. He particularly referenced the historical significance of Sambhal, asserting that its heritage predates Islam by thousands of years.
Sambhal’s History and the Vishnu Temple’s Demolition
Addressing an event in Lucknow, organized by RSS-affiliated weeklies Organiser and Panchjanya, Adityanath pointed out that Sambhal holds immense historical and religious significance. He stated that ancient scriptures, which date back over 5,000 years, make references to Lord Vishnu’s future incarnation in Sambhal. In contrast, Islam emerged around 1,400 years ago, which, according to him, highlights the historical depth of Sambhal’s religious past.
“Sambhal has always been a place of religious importance. The Vishnu temple that stood here was destroyed in 1526. Just two years later, in 1528, the Ram temple in Ayodhya met the same fate. This is an undeniable historical truth,” he said.
Referring to past invasions, he emphasized that both temple demolitions were carried out by the same historical figures and urged people to acknowledge these events as facts rather than disputes.
Rising Tensions Over Sambhal Survey
The dispute over the mosque in Sambhal intensified in November 2023, when a court-ordered survey was conducted at the site. Some believe that the mosque stands on the remnants of a demolished temple, which has fueled debates and legal battles over the matter.
Addressing the controversy, Adityanath stated that his administration believes in respecting all communities and has never discriminated against any faith. He cited Gorakhnath Peeth as an example, where people from all backgrounds, castes, and communities come together without bias or division.
“I am a Yogi. I respect every community and every method of worship. If you visit the Gorakhnath temple, you will see that people from all castes, regions, and religious sects eat together, sit together, and share a sense of unity. No one is excluded.”
Despite his commitment to religious harmony, the chief minister firmly stated that deliberately ignoring historical truths would not be tolerated.
Efforts to Restore Sambhal’s Religious Heritage
Adityanath also mentioned that his government has been actively working to reclaim and restore Sambhal’s ancient religious sites.
“Sambhal has always been a sacred pilgrimage center. It had 68 historic religious sites, of which 18 have already been reclaimed. Additionally, 19 ancient wells have been revived. After nearly six decades, the ritual offering of water at Lord Shiva’s temple in Sambhal was once again performed,” he said.
Taking aim at political opponents, he questioned why previous leaders had ignored these cultural and religious sites for decades.
“Where were these so-called leaders all this time? Instead of working for the people, they have spent years dividing society based on caste and religion,” he remarked.
India’s Global Rise and Cultural Influence
During his speech, Adityanath linked India’s cultural revival to its global prominence, asserting that the country is on its way to becoming a global leader. He cited the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya in January 2024, after 500 years, as a significant milestone in India’s journey.
“The world is witnessing India’s transformation. The upcoming Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj in 2025 will be a testament to our capability in organizing grand religious and cultural events,” he added.
The chief minister further praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting how world leaders have welcomed him with great respect during his visits abroad.
Indonesia’s Cultural Connection with India
Adityanath also spoke about Indonesia, a nation with the largest Muslim population in the world, emphasizing how it continues to embrace its Hindu heritage.
“Indonesia celebrates ‘Ramleela’ as a national festival. The country’s currency bears the image of Lord Ganesha, and its national airline is named after Garuda. The President of Indonesia himself acknowledged that his DNA would trace back to India. These are examples that should serve as lessons to many.”
Taking a strong stance against those who, according to him, glorify foreign invaders, he remarked that they should reconsider their positions and acknowledge historical facts.
“People who have benefitted from India’s resources should first examine their own history before making statements that undermine our heritage,” he asserted.
Commitment to Serving the People
Concluding his speech, Adityanath reaffirmed his government’s dedication to serving the people of Uttar Pradesh and ensuring cultural and religious heritage is protected and preserved.
“We will use every opportunity we get to work for the welfare of the people. The truth about Sambhal is now coming to light, and we will continue to uphold our responsibility towards preserving our nation’s rich heritage,” he said.
With tensions continuing to simmer over the Sambhal mosque issue, Adityanath’s statements indicate that the debate over religious heritage, historical claims, and cultural preservation is far from over.
