Babar's Men, Bangladesh, And Sambhal Violence: Yogi Adityanath Draws Parallels

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday accused certain anti-social elements, similar to those causing unrest in Bangladesh, of attempting to create similar turmoil in the state. Speaking at the inauguration of the Ramayan Mela at Ram Katha Park in Ayodhya, CM Adityanath addressed the recent communal violence in Sambhal, drawing a parallel between the situation there and violence in Bangladesh.

He said, "The same anti-social elements that caused violence in Bangladesh are trying to incite chaos here. Look at what happened during the Kumbh in Ayodhya 500 years ago, under the influence of Babar's men. What happened in Sambhal mirrors this, and the same forces are at work in Bangladesh. The nature and ideology of these elements are identical. If you think this unrest is happening only in Bangladesh, these same forces are here as well, trying to destroy the social fabric of our society."

Yogi's reference to "Babar's men" in the context of Ayodhya and the Kumbh Mela is related to a historical event that took place in 1528. The Mughal emperor is believed to have ordered the destruction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

The CM also criticized certain individuals who, according to him, have foreign properties and would escape in times of crisis, leaving others to face the consequences. "Some of those promoting this unrest have properties abroad. If a crisis occurs, they will flee, leaving the common people behind to suffer," he said.

Yogi Adityanath highlighted the transformation of Ayodhya, now moving forward with a new identity as a global city with cultural and spiritual significance, especially following the construction of the Ram Temple. "Look at how, through the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lord Ram has returned to his rightful place in the temple after 500 years. Those who do not respect Lord Ram and Mata Janaki, no matter who they are, should be treated as enemies. This is why Ram devotees raised the slogan in 1990, 'Jo Ram ka nahi, humare kisi kaam ka nahi'."

The CM also took aim at the Samajwadi Party and its leader, Akhilesh Yadav, accusing them of betraying the ideals of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, a key figure in socialist politics. "Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia symbolized political ideals, but today's Samajwadi Party has strayed from these principles. True socialists, according to Lohia, are free from attachment to property and family. However, today's Samajwadis have become 'Parivarwadis'-they depend on criminals and goons to stay in power. They talk about Lohia's ideals but do not follow even one of them," he said.

The situation in Sambhal, where tensions have escalated since the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid on November 19, has been volatile. The mosque was surveyed following a petition claiming a Harihar temple once stood at the site. Violence broke out on November 24 during a subsequent survey, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuries to several others in a clash between protesters and police.