Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad launched a sharp attack on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday, alleging that the safety of Hindus, Muslims, and women in the state has deteriorated since the BJP came to power.
Responding to CM Adityanath’s claim that “Muslims are the safest in UP,” Prasad countered, stating, “The reality is that neither Hindus, nor Muslims, nor even our daughters are safe under Yogi Baba’s rule. The state is grappling with lawlessness.”
He further accused the government of discrimination, alleging that “bulldozers have been selectively used against Muslim homes, which is unconstitutional. Instead of addressing real governance issues, they continue to stoke Hindu-Muslim divisions to divert public attention.”
Prasad, who represents Faizabad in Parliament, went on to claim that “CM Yogi Adityanath is fueling hatred in society,” asserting that his administration has failed to provide equal protection to all citizens.
Yogi Adityanath Defends His Administration
In an interview with ANI, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath firmly defended his government’s record on communal harmony and law enforcement, reiterating that people from all religious backgrounds are secure in Uttar Pradesh.
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“If Hindus are safe, then Muslims are also safe,” Adityanath stated, emphasizing that communal violence had significantly declined since the BJP took power in 2017.
Highlighting what he described as the tolerant nature of Hindus, CM Adityanath remarked, “A Muslim family can live safely among 100 Hindu families, freely practicing their religion. But can 50 Hindus feel safe in a community of 100 Muslims? No. We have seen examples in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. History has shown us the consequences of ignoring such realities.”
Rejecting allegations of bias, the chief minister asserted that his government treats all communities fairly. “I am a Yogi who wishes for everyone’s well-being. My governance is based on the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ (Together with all, Development for all),” he said.
Communal Violence Claims and Law Enforcement
CM Adityanath also pointed out that under his leadership, communal riots, which were once common in Uttar Pradesh, have come to a halt.
“Before 2017, riots would break out frequently, leading to destruction of both Hindu and Muslim homes and businesses. But since our government took charge, law and order have improved, and such incidents have stopped,” he claimed.
Regarding the controversy surrounding a mosque being covered with a tarpaulin during Holi, Adityanath stated that “clear instructions were given not to throw colors at the mosque, but ultimately, colors do not harm anyone.”
The ongoing political debate underscores the deep divide in perspectives on governance and communal harmony in Uttar Pradesh. While the BJP claims to have brought stability and fairness, the opposition continues to challenge these assertions, citing concerns over discrimination and selective enforcement of laws.
