Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday likened the destruction of the Ayodhya temple 500 years ago to recent violence in Sambhal and alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, stating that all three incidents share the “same DNA.”
Addressing the Ramayan Mela inauguration at Ram Katha Park in Ayodhya, Adityanath remarked, “Remember what Babur’s man did in Ayodhya 500 years ago? The same thing happened in Sambhal, and the same is happening in Bangladesh.”
He criticized forces he alleged were disrupting societal unity, saying, “The descendants of those who created divisions in our unity are still here. They continue to disrupt society in the name of caste. Look at the enemies in the neighboring country and the same elements here who are waiting to harm us.”
The Chief Minister emphasized the spiritual and cultural resurgence of Ayodhya, hailing the construction of the Ram Temple in January as a milestone. “Ayodhya is once again rising as a global spiritual and cultural city. With the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lord Ram has been seated in the temple again after 500 years,” he said.
Adityanath also urged devotees to reject those who disrespect Lord Ram and Mata Janaki, stating, “Anyone who does not respect Lord Ram, no matter how close, should be treated as an enemy.”
Touching upon the unrest in Sambhal, he referenced the ongoing disputes over claims that a Harihar temple once stood on the site of the Shahi Jama Masjid. Tensions escalated after a court-ordered survey led to protests and violent clashes on November 24.
The Chief Minister’s remarks also came against the backdrop of protests in India over the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh and alleged violence against Hindus in the neighboring country.
Adityanath accused political rivals of prioritizing familial interests over societal welfare. “Today’s so-called Samajwadis (socialists) have become Parivarwadis (dynasts). They claim to follow Lohia but fail to adopt even one of his ideals,” he said, adding that their dependence on “criminals and goons” exposed their vulnerability.
The Ramayan Mela in Ayodhya seeks to highlight the spiritual heritage and cultural significance of Lord Ram’s life, a cause central to Adityanath’s political narrative.
