Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has reiterated that “Jai Sri Ram” is a symbol of faith, not a communal slogan. He made this assertion while addressing the state assembly, where a discussion on the recent violence in Sambhal and Bahraich was underway. Adityanath dismissed opposition claims that chanting the slogan and allowing Hindu processions to pass through Muslim-dominated areas sparked the violence.
The UP CM questioned the opposition’s logic, asking why Hindu processions can’t pass through Muslim areas when Muslim processions are allowed to pass through Hindu localities and in front of temples. He emphasized that India’s traditions will be guided by the principles of Ram, Krishna, and Buddha, rather than those of Babur and Aurangzeb.
Adityanath also pointed out that in Indian culture, people often greet each other with “Ram Ram,” and even during funeral processions, the name of Ram is chanted. He added that in Bahraich, all arrangements were made to facilitate a traditional procession, yet allegations of provocative slogans being raised surfaced.
Regarding the Sambhal violence, Adityanath clarified that the administration and police were simply following court orders to survey a mosque site. The trouble began after Friday prayers and sermons, he said.
