Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reaffirmed that people of all religions are safe in the state, emphasizing that Muslim safety is linked to Hindu security. In an interview with ANI, he described himself as a “Yogi” who wishes for everyone’s well-being. Stressing Hindus’ religious tolerance, he stated, “A Muslim family is the safest among 100 Hindu families. They will have the freedom to practise all religious customs. But can 50 Hindus be safe among 100 Muslim families? No. Bangladesh is an example. Before this, Pakistan was an example. What happened in Afghanistan? If there is smoke or someone is being hit, we should be careful before we get hit. That is what needs to be taken care of.”
Adityanath highlighted that since the BJP came to power in 2017, Uttar Pradesh has not witnessed any communal riots. He added, “In Uttar Pradesh, Muslims are the safest. If Hindus are safe, then they are also safe. If there were riots in UP before 2017, if Hindu shops were burning, then Muslim shops were also burning. If Hindu houses were burning, then Muslim houses were also burning. And after 2017, the riots stopped.”
The Chief Minister reiterated his identity as an ordinary citizen and a Yogi committed to everyone’s happiness, saying, “I am an ordinary citizen, a citizen of Uttar Pradesh. I am a Yogi who wishes for everyone’s happiness. I believe in everyone’s support and development.”
Speaking on Sanatan Dharma, Adityanath described it as the world’s oldest religion, asserting that Hindu rulers never imposed their faith on others. He stated, “Sanatan Dharma is the most ancient religion and culture in the world. You can guess from its name. Sanatan Dharma followers have not converted others to their faith. But what have they received in return? What did they gain in exchange? There is no example anywhere in the world where Hindu rulers, using their strength, have established dominion over others. Such instances do not exist.”
