In an exclusive interview with Republic Media Network’s Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami, the firebrand Hindutva leader and the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath touched upon a wide range of topics and kept his views bluntly as always. At the interview Yogio Adityanath lashed out upon the Waqf Board and addressed topics, including the significance of Sanatan Dharma, Sambhal Violence, Mahakumbh and many more. Here are the topics Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister kept his honest views on.
Significance of Sanatan Dharma
CM Yogi emphasized the unparalleled significance of Sanatan Dharma, describing it as “higher than the sky and deeper than the ocean.” When Journalist Arnab Goswami questioned whether Sanatan Dharma Board be made as counter to Wakf Board, he dismissed comparisons between Sanatan Dharma and the Waqf Board, referring to the latter as the “Mafia Board.” Yogi argued that Sanatan Dharma transcends organizational structures and is integral to India’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Mahakumbh
The historic Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is scheduled to take place in Prayagraj from 13th of January to 26th of February. Highlighting the Mahakumbh’s role as a unifying force, Yogi Adityanath credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for securing UNESCO recognition for the event as the world’s largest religious and cultural festival. He described Mahakumbh as a celebration of India’s traditions, promoting harmony and the guru-shishya parampara, which connects generations through spiritual knowledge.
Batenge toh Katenge
Yogi Adityanath reiterated the slogan of ‘Batenge to Katenge’ and “Ek hain toh safe hain,”. He emphasized for Unity and highlighted that division weakens society. Yogi portrayed Mahakumbh as a platform that transcends caste and regional differences, fostering solidarity.
On Waqf Board
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister lashed out at the opposition leaders for divisive politics, labeling them “danav” (demons). Yogi Adityanath also questioned the legitimacy of the Waqf Board and highlighted the land-grabbing activities the board has engaged itself in. He vowed to reclaim every inch of illegally occupied land and utilize it for the welfare of the poor, including building hospitals and schools.
The Wakf board since long has been engaged in illegal occupation of land. It seems to have claimed every other land visible in the country. Recently, a muslim cleric went up to claim that the land where the Maha Kumbh is taking place goes into the fold of Waqf board property. A few months back, AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal claimed that the Parliament building and its surrounding areas in the national capital were built on Waqf property. Not only did he claim Parliament being Waqf property Badruddin Ajmal also claimed that the area around Vasant Vihar, extending to the airport in the national capital, has been built on Waqf property.
In September 2022, a startling case emerged from Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, where the Waqf Board claimed ownership of seven Hindu villages, alongside a 1,500-year-old temple, the Sundareswarar temple. This unexpected assertion sent shockwaves through the local community and raised significant concerns regarding land rights and religious heritage.
On Sambhal and Ghar Wapsi
When asked regarding the Sambhal Violence that broke out recently after the Archeological survey team went up to carry out their survey of the Jama Masjid of Sambhal, Yogi Adityanath highlighted the cultural and scriptural importance of Sambhal, referencing its mention in ancient texts as the birthplace of Lord Vishnu’s Kalki avatar. He pointed out that invaders have vandalised the Hindu Temple that stood in Sambhal and built a mosque over it. He pledged to restore its heritage. On the topic of “ghar wapsi,” Yogi advocated for welcoming individuals returning to Sanatan Dharma, describing it as a reconnection with their roots. He stressed the importance of embracing those who seek to align with the values of India’s spiritual traditions.
