‘If Hindus Are Safe, Muslims Are Safe Too,’ Says CM Yogi Adityanath, Citing Bangladesh as an Example
NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asserted that people of all religions are safe in his state, emphasizing that the safety of Muslims is directly linked to the safety of Hindus. Speaking in an interview, Adityanath addressed religious harmony, law and order, and the absence of communal violence under his leadership since 2017.
Drawing comparisons to other regions, Adityanath claimed that a Muslim family living among a hundred Hindu families would be completely secure. However, he questioned whether the same level of safety could be assured for Hindus in a predominantly Muslim environment, citing Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan as examples.
“A Muslim family is safest among a hundred Hindu families. They have complete freedom to practice their religion. But can 50 Hindus feel safe among 100 Muslim families? No. Bangladesh is an example, and Pakistan was too. What happened in Afghanistan? When there’s smoke, it’s a warning — we should be cautious,” he remarked.
The chief minister credited the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) leadership for ending communal riots in Uttar Pradesh since 2017. He maintained that the state’s improved law and order ensured safety for all religious communities.
“In Uttar Pradesh, Muslims are the safest. If Hindus are secure, then Muslims are too. Before 2017, riots occurred, and both Hindu and Muslim properties were damaged. But since then, communal clashes have ceased,” Adityanath stated.
Reiterating his dedication to inclusive governance, he added, “I am a Yogi and a common citizen of Uttar Pradesh, committed to the well-being and development of everyone.”
Adityanath also spoke about the principles of Sanatan Dharma, underscoring its historical philosophy of peace and coexistence. “Sanatan Dharma is the world’s oldest religion. Unlike others, its followers have not imposed their beliefs on others. Instead, they view the entire world as one family,” he explained.
On festival management, the chief minister highlighted that the administration has established standard operating procedures (SOPs) for events like Ram Navami and Eid to maintain peace. He pointed to past instances of violence during Ram Navami celebrations in West Bengal and questioned why similar preventive measures were not enforced there.
Addressing recent concerns about tarpaulin coverings on mosques during Holi, Adityanath dismissed the idea that festival celebrations could threaten religious harmony. “Playing with colours during Holi doesn’t harm anyone’s identity. During Muharram, flags sometimes cast shadows on Hindu homes near temples — does that make the house impure? Strict orders are in place to prevent unnecessary provocations, and authorities are ensuring proper clean-up if required,” he concluded.