Safe hindus, safe muslims: CM Yogi on UP’s harmony

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath claimed that all religions remain safe under his government. He asserted that if Hindus feel safe, Muslims will also feel secure. Since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took power in 2017, communal violence has stopped, he said.

In an interview with ANI, Adityanath argued that a Muslim family feels safe among a hundred Hindu families. However, he questioned whether 50 Hindu families could feel safe among a hundred Muslim families. Citing examples from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, he warned against ignoring early signs of unrest.

He emphasized his commitment to equal treatment for all communities. “In Uttar Pradesh, Muslims are the safest. If Hindus are safe, then Muslims are also safe,” he said. He added that before 2017, communal riots affected both communities equally, but such violence ended after the BJP formed the government.

Adityanath described himself as an ordinary citizen and a Yogi dedicated to everyone’s welfare. He reaffirmed his belief in “sabka saath, sabka vikas” (everyone’s support, everyone’s development).

He also defended Sanatan Dharma, calling it the world’s oldest religion. According to him, Hindu rulers have never used force to dominate others. “Sanatan Dharma followers have not converted others. No Hindu ruler has ever sought to impose his rule through violence,” he said.

On law and order during festivals like Ram Navami and Eid, Adityanath said his administration follows a strict Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Uttar Pradesh, he claimed, became the first state to control noise levels under Supreme Court guidelines.

Addressing the recent controversy over covering a mosque with a tarpaulin during Holi, Adityanath said the administration has clear instructions to prevent color from reaching religious sites. However, he downplayed the issue, comparing it to Muharram processions passing by Hindu homes. “If colors fall on a mosque, the administration cleans and repaints it,” he stated.

Adityanath maintained that his government ensures communal harmony while upholding law and order. He called for mutual respect among communities and stressed his vision for a peaceful and united Uttar Pradesh.