Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed a gathering in Gorakhpur on Tuesday, asserting that while British and French colonialism often dominates historical discussions, the significant impact of political Islam on Hindu faith remains largely ignored.
At the ‘Vichar-Parivar Kutumb Sneh Milan’ and ‘Deepotsav Se Rashtrotsav’ events, commemorating the centenary year of the RSS, Adityanath reflected on historical struggles. He specifically highlighted the battles waged against political Islam by renowned warriors such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Guru Gobind Singh, Maharana Pratap, and Maharana Sanga.
“Our ancestors fought fiercely against political Islam, yet this vital chapter in our history is overshadowed,” he stated. The chief minister praised the RSS’s significant role in the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
He raised concerns about the ongoing ideological challenges posed by political Islam. Adityanath illustrated the contradiction between public discussions on colonial resistance and the silence surrounding this contemporary threat to Hindu belief.
“The heroes of our past, like Veer Shivaji and Maharana Pratap, remind us of the battles fought not only against British and French colonizers but also against political Islam. Yet, this aspect remains significantly unaddressed,” Adityanath emphasized.
While championing the RSS’s achievements over the past century, he remarked, “Through dedication and perseverance, the Sangh has turned the impossible into reality.” He lauded the unwavering commitment of RSS volunteers during the construction of the Ram temple, despite facing opposition from entities like the Samajwadi Party and Congress.
Adityanath noted the resolve of RSS members amidst challenges, stating, “Despite facing lathi-charges and bullets, our volunteers remained unwavering in their belief that the Ram temple would become a reality.”
The chief minister also voiced concerns about the ongoing promotion of political Islam under various fronts. He mentioned that the Uttar Pradesh government has recently prohibited the sale of Halal-certified products, alleging that the profits from such sales fund activities tied to conversion, love jihad, and terrorism.
During the event, Adityanath discussed the RSS centenary initiatives, focusing on five transformative goals: social harmony, family values, environmental conservation, self-reliance through local goods, and civic responsibility. He termed these goals as foundational to a ‘Viksit Bharat’.
“To achieve a developed society and nation, our society must take the lead, and the government must follow,” Adityanath concluded, underscoring the necessity of unity and adherence to cultural values in contemporary India.
