‘If Hindus are safe, then Muslims are also safe in UP’: CM Yogi Adityanath on communal harmony

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asserted that people from all communities are safe in the state, stating that if Hindus are safe, then Muslims are also safe. He emphasized that communal violence has ceased since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2017, attributing it to stronger law enforcement and governance. Adityanath made these remarks in an interview with news agency ANI, where he spoke about religious harmony, law and order, and the role of Sanatan Dharma in shaping India’s cultural identity.

The Chief Minister pointed out that before 2017, communal riots in Uttar Pradesh often affected both Hindus and Muslims. "If there were riots here before 2017, if Hindu shops were burning, then Muslim shops were also burning. If Hindu houses were burning, then Muslim houses were also burning. But after 2017, riots have stopped,” he said. According to him, this change is due to stricter law enforcement and preventive measures taken by the state administration.

Adityanath also made a statement regarding the safety of religious minorities. He claimed that a Muslim family is safest among a hundred Hindu families, but questioned whether the same safety is ensured for Hindus living among a majority-Muslim population. He cited Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan as examples where Hindus have faced persecution. "A Muslim family is the safest among a hundred Hindu families. But can 50 Hindus be safe among 100 Muslim families? No. Bangladesh is an example. Before this, Pakistan was an example," he said, underscoring his argument about communal safety.

The Chief Minister further elaborated on his belief in equal treatment for all citizens. "I am an ordinary citizen, a Yogi who wishes for everyone's happiness. I believe in everyone's support and development," he stated. He reiterated that the principles of Sanatan Dharma have never promoted forced conversions or religious domination, arguing that Hindu rulers have historically not sought to impose their faith on others. "There is no example anywhere in the world where Hindu rulers, using their own strength, have established dominion over others," he said.

Discussing law and order, Adityanath highlighted the state’s efforts in maintaining communal peace during festivals like Ram Navami and Eid. He mentioned that a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is in place to ensure smooth celebrations. He also referenced the regulation of noise pollution as per Supreme Court guidelines, asserting that Uttar Pradesh has successfully implemented measures to control sound disturbances beyond its borders.

Addressing a recent controversy regarding a mosque being covered with tarpaulin during Holi to prevent color splashes, Adityanath clarified that strict instructions were given not to throw colors at religious structures. However, he argued that such incidents should not be overly politicized. "If you are playing with colors, it does not harm anyone’s existence. During Muharram, does the shadow of their flag falling on a Hindu house near a temple make it impure?" he questioned, urging for mutual respect and understanding between communities.