NEW DELHI: The Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath said on Thursday that endorsing invaders who attacked India’s cultural heritage and disrespected its people constitutes an act of treason.
The chief minister’s comment comes in the backdrop of ongoing row over the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.
Speaking at a public event in Bahraich, Yogi said, “Glorifying invaders means strengthening the very roots of treason. New India will never accept those who insult our great ancestors and praise those who attacked our civilisation, violated our women, and struck at our faith.”
“At a time when the world recognises India’s cultural legacy, every citizen has an obligation to maintain respect for our distinguished leaders, rather than praise those who attempted to eliminate our identity,” he further added.
The Uttar Pradesh chief minister made the comments while discussing the recently-concluded Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.
Yogi referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent address, where PM Modi commended Uttar Pradesh for hosting the event that drew “over 66 crore devotees” to the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mystical Saraswati.
“No other nation has hosted such an enormous event, nor can any country organise something of this magnitude. The Maha Kumbh demonstrated India’s enduring Sanatan culture, which shall continue to motivate future generations,” Yogi said.
In Maharashtra’s Nagpur, thirty-three police personnel, including three DCP-rank officers, sustained injuries when mobs turned violent, damaging vehicles, throwing petrol bombs and stones at police, and attacking residences.
Rumours about a ‘chadar’ with holy inscriptions being burnt during protests led by VHP seeking the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb, located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, was the prima facie trigger for violence.
Nagpur Police have arrested 50 people, including seven minors in connection with the violent clashes.
