Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while strongly rebutting the opposition’s criticism, asserted on Monday that the slogan “Jai Shri Ram is not communal.” He said that it is a symbol of faith and a revered part of Indian tradition.
His remarks came during a debate on recent communal violence in Sambhal and Bahraich, where the opposition accused the chanting of the slogan as the trigger for the unrest.
Speaking on the floor of the Legislative Assembly, Yogi stated, “Jai Shri Ram has never been a communal slogan. It is a symbol of our faith, and to label it as provocative only exposes the narrow mindset and malicious intent of the opposition.” The Chief Minister also posed a rhetorical question to the house, asking, “If a Muslim procession can peacefully pass through a Hindu locality, why can’t a Hindu procession pass through a Muslim locality?”
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: CM Yogi Adityanath says, "...People in Uttar Pradesh greet each other with 'Ram Ram' in their daily conversations, so how has 'Jai Shri Ram' become a communal address? Here, we say 'Ram'—when we meet, the greeting is 'Ram Ram.' Nothing can be done without… pic.twitter.com/7UmI4mEOw4
— IANS (@ians_india) December 16, 2024Yogi's statements were in response to the recent violence in Sambhal and Bahraich, where communal tensions flared after the chanting of "Jai Shri Ram" during processions. The opposition had claimed that such slogans contributed to the unrest, but the CM dismissed these accusations, calling them baseless and politically motivated.
oke bet slotHe pointed out that even in funeral processions, the name of Ram is often invoked, highlighting the pervasive presence of the name in daily life. “Ram ke bina to humara koi kaam hi nahi hota…toh Jai Shri Ram kaise sampradayik nara ho gaya?” he asked.
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Referring to the controversy over the Bahraich procession, Yogi clarified that all arrangements were made to ensure the event’s smooth conduct. He categorically stated that the slogan “Jai Shri Ram” is not intended to provoke any group but is instead an expression of religious belief.
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“If tomorrow I say I don’t like the slogan ‘Allah Hu Akbar,’ would you agree with me?” Yogi questioned.
The CM also took a swipe at the opposition's attempts to undermine the electoral success of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kundarki, where the BJP had emerged victorious despite allegations of “vote loot.” Yogi dismissed these claims, calling them a disrespectful attack on the democratic process and the elected representative, BJP’s Ram Veer Singh. He further claimed that the victory in Kundarki was symbolic of the triumph of ‘Sanatan’ values and the Indian Constitution, with local Muslim communities proudly identifying their ancestors as Hindus.Yogi also targeted the opposition’s views on the Constitution, specifically its interpretation of secularism. “The Constitution does not use terms like secular or socialist,” he stated, reinforcing his position that India’s governance would continue to be based on the traditions of Ram, Krishna, and Buddha, rather than figures such as Babur and Aurangzeb.
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In response to demands for the impeachment of Allahabad High Court Judge Shekhar Yadav for supporting the Uniform Civil Code, Yogi accused the opposition of exhibiting “dual character,” criticizing their selective outrage.
The UP CM concluded his speech by highlighting the decline in communal violence in Uttar Pradesh since his government took office in 2017eureka dog online casino, citing a 97 percent drop in such incidents. He called for continued peace and harmony in the state, particularly ahead of the upcoming Maha Kumbh, urging the opposition to avoid making irresponsible statements that could disrupt the state’s delicate communal balance.