Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, during a private event on the Kumbh, hailed the reopening of a temple in Sambhal that had remained locked since 1978 due to communal riots. The temple, which features an ancient idol of Bajrang Bali and a Jyotirlinga, was unlocked after an anti-encroachment drive by the local administration.
“The reopening of this temple symbolizes our enduring heritage and the truth of our history,” said Adityanath, emphasizing that the temple did not “reappear overnight” but stood as a testament to India’s rich cultural legacy.
Questioning Justice for 1978 Riots
Reflecting on the communal riots in Sambhal 46 years ago, Adityanath mourned the loss of innocent lives and criticized the failure to bring the perpetrators to justice. “Why have those responsible for the massacre not been held accountable even after decades?” he questioned, while accusing certain factions of suppressing the truth and undermining India’s cultural heritage.
Grand Plans for Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025
Turning to preparations for the upcoming Prayagraj Mahakumbh, scheduled from January 13 to February 26, the Chief Minister announced that arrangements were being made for 100 crore devotees, with six crore expected to take a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya alone. Adityanath highlighted the transformation of the 2019 Kumbh into a clean, safe, and well-organized event, shedding its earlier associations with “chaos and insecurity.”
Criticism of Opposition and Legacy Claims
In a sharp attack on opposition parties, Adityanath accused them of hypocrisy and attempting to claim “exclusive ownership” of India’s legacy. Without naming the Congress, he criticized those who treated books like Discovery of India as if they were the oldest in Indian history.
The Chief Minister also touched upon the historic Supreme Court verdict on the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi case, which resolved a decades-long dispute in 2019. He condemned the threats directed at judges who delivered the decision, calling them an attempt to intimidate the judiciary.
Defense of Democratic Institutions
Adityanath also addressed opposition allegations against democratic institutions, including the Election Commission and the Vice President. He accused opposition leaders of attempting to undermine constitutional bodies through impeachment and no-confidence motions, describing these moves as efforts to silence voices supporting India’s heritage.
Development Linked to Ram Temple
Highlighting the significance of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Adityanath credited it with driving regional development. He criticized previous governments for decades of inactivity and dismissed their current criticisms of his administration as baseless.
The Chief Minister concluded by reiterating his commitment to preserving India’s heritage and ensuring justice, urging citizens to unite in support of cultural and historical legacies.
Sources By Agencies
