- Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath said Kanwar Yatra unites all classes and communities
- He claimed Kanwar Yatra pilgrims face media trials and are labelled criminals and terrorists
- He criticised divisive forces using fake social media accounts to incite caste conflict
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has claimed that Kanwar Yatra pilgrims go through "media trials" and are labelled "criminals and terrorists".
"From the lowest class to the highest class, every person is connected to this movement (Kanwar Yatra). It is a wonderful display of unity. There is no discrimination of caste, region, class, religion or community," the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said.
"However, there is a media trial, and the Kanwar Yatra is being defamed. They (Kanwar Yatris) are even labelled as criminals and terrorists. This reflects a mentality that seeks to tarnish India's heritage in every way," he added.
The Kanwar Yatra, an annual Hindu pilgrimage, began on July 11. There have been reports of incidents of Kanwariyas allegedly damaging cars or vandalising shops in Uttar Pradesh. The reports have prompted reactions from the Opposition, including the Congress.
Recently, veteran Congress leader Digvijaya Singh shared two pictures - one where a Kanwar Yatra is blocking a road and the other where people are offering namaz - he followed it up with a provocative question.
"One country, two laws?" Mr Singh captioned his social media post. The post has triggered sharp backlash from the ruling BJP.
Speaking at the inauguration of a national seminar on tribal icon 'Dharti Aaba' Bhagwan Birsa Munda in Varanasi, the Chief Minister stressed the need to remain vigilant against such divisive forces.
"Our biggest challenge today is those who seek to divide society. Some people are deliberately trying to incite caste conflict through fake social media accounts. We are taking strict action against them," he said.
Recalling a past incident, Yogi said, "Two to three years ago, during an arson case, a man was seen wearing a saffron towel, but uttered 'Ya Allah'. Such acts expose those who try to mislead and create unrest. These people must be identified and exposed."
Referring to recent religious events, he said the state government had imposed restrictions on the height of Tazias during Muharram to avoid accidents.
"In Jaunpur, a Tazia was raised so high that it touched a high-tension wire, resulting in the death of three people and triggering riots," he said.
The Chief Minister also defended his controversial stance, saying, "I told the administration to hit such people with sticks -- they won't listen otherwise. No one opposed it."
He further alleged that armed protests during Muharram in the past often led to violence, making it unsafe for women and girls to step outside.
In contrast, he praised Kanwar pilgrims for their peaceful devotion. "Today, Kanwariyas walk for hundreds of kilometers chanting 'Har Har Bam' with Kanwars on their shoulders. Yet, they are subjected to media trials and branded as rioters or terrorists. This mindset insults India's heritage and faith," he said.
Earlier in the day, Yogi Adityanath held a review meeting at the Circuit House in Varanasi on development projects and law and order. He instructed police officers to keep a close watch on those trying to vitiate the atmosphere through fake social media profiles.
