Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the largely neglected issue of ‘political Islam’ during his speech in Gorakhpur on Tuesday, asserting it has inflicted substantial harm on the Sanatan Dharma. Speaking at the ‘Vichar-Parivar Kutumb Sneh Milan’ and ‘Deepotsav Se Rashtrotsav’ programmes, which celebrate the 100th anniversary of the RSS, Adityanath highlighted that historical accounts often concentrate on colonialism while overlooking indigenous struggles against political Islam.
Adityanath positioned iconic leaders such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Guru Gobind Singh, Maharana Pratap, and Maharana Sanga as warriors who bravely battled against the influences of political Islam. “Our ancestors waged major struggles against political Islam, yet this aspect of history remains largely overlooked,” he stated. His remarks seek to draw attention to a narrative he believes has been neglected in mainstream historical discussions.
Reiterating the importance of recognizing the continuous ideological challenges that political Islam poses, the Chief Minister criticized the tendency to prioritize discussions around colonial resistance while ignoring this critical element of Indian history. “There is talk of British colonialism, there is talk of French colonialism, but nowhere is there talk of political Islam, which undermined the faith,” he said, illustrating the need for broader awareness about the historical context of Hindu struggles.
In other remarks, Adityanath paid tribute to the RSS for its role in the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. He emphasized that despite opposition from parties like the Samajwadi Party and the Congress, RSS volunteers remained resolute. “The Sangh endured restrictions, and its volunteers faced lathi-charge and bullets. Today, the magnificent Ram Temple stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment,” he expressed.
Highlighting the present-day implications, Adityanath alleged that the activities related to political Islam continue under various guises. He underscored the actions taken by his administration in Uttar Pradesh banning the sale of Halal-certified products, arguing that the profits derived from these products were being misappropriated for conversion, love jihad, and terrorism. Such claims reflect a firm stance on perceived threats to societal harmony, aimed at safeguarding Hindu values.
Further addressing the initiatives celebrating the RSS centenary, Adityanath set forth five transformative areas deemed essential for a progressive society: social harmony, family values, environmental sustainability, self-reliance through indigenous goods, and civic responsibility. He proclaimed these pillars as the foundation of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ or developed India. “For a developed society and a developed nation, society must lead, and the government must follow,” he remarked, endorsing a vision of empowerment rooted in grassroots engagement.
Through his extensive remarks, Adityanath aims not only to enlighten citizens about historical injustices faced by Hindus but also to galvanize support for ongoing efforts supporting Hindu identity in contemporary India. The discussions surrounding political Islam and its ramifications remain a pertinent topic as India navigates its diverse cultural landscape.
