Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath once again launched a scathing attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP) over its demand for Urdu translation of Assembly proceedings, reiterating that his government prioritises modern education over religious fanaticism. During the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s address in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council, the Chief Minister criticized the Opposition for fostering a “limited mindset” and emphasized that the government is committed to shaping children into scientists and intellectuals instead of religious clerics.
CM Yogi reaffirmed his government’s dedication to offering free and modern education to every child, ensuring no discrimination. He emphasised, “Our goal is to shape future scientists like APJ Abdul Kalam, not just religious clerics. Schools provide free education, and efforts are being made to modernize the education system. The double-engine government is investing in this initiative, but fanaticism will not be tolerated”.
He further stressed that while religious education remains a personal choice, those aspiring to become great litterateurs, scientists, mathematicians, teachers, or engineers should embrace modern education.
The Chief Minister also criticized the SP’s recently coined PDA (Picchda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) narrative, calling it a “dhong” (fraud). He accused the party of using minority communities as a mere vote bank while neglecting their actual welfare. Highlighting his government’s success in eradicating encephalitis, he pointed out that minority children, too, suffered from the disease due to past negligence. He said that “My government views every child as part of the state and has taken steps to support them, successfully eliminating encephalitis”.
Shifting focus to the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Yogi Adityanath hailed the event as a milestone in Uttar Pradesh’s transformation into a major spiritual hub. He also said that Kashi, Ayodhya, Mathura-Vrindavan, Gorakhpur, as well as Prayagraj are now considered as the new “Panch Teerth.”
Comparing Ayodhya and Prayagraj to renowned global religious sites, he emphasized the massive influx of visitors. He stated that while Vatican City attracts two crore visitors annually, Prayagraj saw this figure in just a single day. Similarly, Ayodhya Dham recorded the same number over 52 days, with Varanasi witnessing comparable footfall.
CM Yogi remarked that major endeavours like the Ram Temple and Maha Kumbh always face three stages: “ridicule, opposition, and acceptance”. He criticised the opposition, especially the Samajwadi Party, for first ridiculing and resisting both events but eventually accepting them. “Even SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav participated in the Mahakumbh and took a holy dip,” he stated.
