In a significant session of the Uttar Pradesh State Assembly held on Monday (7th February), Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath delivered a compelling address, touching upon the ongoing disputes surrounding the holy sites of Kashi and Mathura, following the recent inauguration of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya.
Addressing the assembly, CM Yogi Adityanath recounted a recent incident in Ayodhya, where celebrations were underway for the grand inauguration of the Ram Mandir. He made reference to “Nandi Baba,” an epithet for Bhagwan Shiva, who, according to the CM’s narrative, hastened the removal of barricades to facilitate the festivities. This event, he indicated, symbolised a larger sentiment of urgency and determination among the Hindu community.
The UP CM said, “When celebrations were held in Ayodhya, then Nandi Baba said why should I wait? Without waiting, he made barricades break during the night. And our Krishna Kanhaiya too cannot be convinced.”
The Chief Minister’s remarks garnered widespread applause within the assembly, underscoring the gravity of the issues at hand. The mention of “Nandi Baba” in relation to recent events at the Gyanvapi complex in Varanasi resonated deeply with the ongoing discussions surrounding the contentious site.
He said, “Everyone was satisfied with Ayodhya that whatever has happened has happened for the good. It was an unforgettable moment and everyone was feeling proud. Because after a long struggle of 500 years, a solution was found with consensus and today the construction of the grand Mandir of Ramlala was not only completed but Ramlala was established there. This was the first incident in the world where the Bhagwan himself had to gather evidence for his own existence but the dignity of Ram inspires us to patience. We were happy that we kept our promise and built the Mandir there itself. We demonstrate on what we speak and full the resolution.”
The Gyanvapi complex, the subject of recent legal proceedings, witnessed a series of events wherein Hindu petitioners were granted permission to conduct worship rituals, a decision that met with objections from the Anjuman Intezamiya mosque committee. CM Yogi Adityanath’s assertion regarding the breaking of barricades alludes to the perceived urgency surrounding these developments, a sentiment echoed by the court’s refusal to halt Hindu worship at the site.
Moreover, the Chief Minister drew parallels between historical and contemporary injustices, invoking the Mahabharata narrative where Bhagwan Krishna sought a peaceful resolution, akin to the demands of Hindus regarding Ayodhya, Mathura, and Kashi. He emphasised that these sites hold immense significance for the Hindu faith and that the demand for their reclamation stems from a deep-seated reverence for their cultural heritage.
Furthermore, CM Yogi highlighted the pivotal role of the Ram Mandir inauguration in Ayodhya, affirming the government’s commitment to fulfilling promises made to the people. He emphasised the transformative impact of the Mandir’s construction on the city’s development while also addressing longstanding grievances and injustices faced by Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura.
In a scathing attack on the opposition, CM stressed, “…Ayodhya city was brought within the purview of prohibitions and curfew by the previous governments. For centuries, Ayodhya was cursed with ugly intentions. It faced a planned disdain. Such treatment of public sentiments was perhaps never seen anywhere else. Ayodhya faced injustice. When I speak about injustice, we recall the 5000-year-old thing. Injustice was done even to the Pandavas at that time…That had happened with Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura…”, during which he drew the parallels with the current times and Mahabharata.
In his impassioned address, the Chief Minister condemned the opposition’s perceived indifference towards these sacred issues, accusing them of neglecting public sentiments and attempting to divert attention from significant milestones such as the Ram Mandir inauguration. He reiterated the imperative for addressing historical injustices and restoring faith in the public sphere.
As discussions on the Kashi and Mathura disputes continue to unfold, CM Yogi Adityanath’s address serves as a rallying cry for unity, justice, and the preservation of cultural heritage in Uttar Pradesh.
