Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on August 7, launched a scathing attack on rioters, foreign invaders, and political rivals during a massive public address at Bahjoi in Sambhal district, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 222 development projects worth Rs 659 crore.
In a fiery speech that merged development with religious revival, the Chief Minister vowed punishment for those who “sinned against Sambhal”, invoking Mahakal’s wrath on past perpetrators. “Foreign barbaric invaders desecrated our pilgrimage sites; Congress and its disciple SP covered up mass murders. But the era of truth has begun,” said CM Yogi, asserting that his government would revive the lost glory of the ancient Hindu pilgrimage hub.
Calling Sambhal a sacred symbol of Sanatan Dharma, CM Yogi said, “According to the Puranas, Bhagwan Vishnu’s 10th avatar, Kalki, will be born here. This is the land where Hari (Vishnu) and Har (Shiva) are worshipped together. Yet, this place suffered centuries of injustice mandirs destroyed, parikrama routes blocked, and wells encroached.”
The CM announced the state government’s plan to restore 68 pilgrimage sites and 19 wells desecrated by past invaders. He compared this to the historic restoration efforts by Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, who renovated Kashi Vishwanath and Somnath Mandir.
Launching a blistering political attack, CM Yogi said, “Congress committed mass murders here, and SP protected the killers to save their vote banks. They tried to erase the truth of Sambhal, but we are here to preserve heritage, not chase votes.”
He declared that those who attempt to distort or erase the sacred Hindu heritage will face harsh consequences. “Those who desecrated our holy sites or blocked Sambhal’s development will have to pay the price,” he warned.
Referring to past communal violence and lawlessness under previous regimes, CM Yogi said, “Rioters, mafia, and anarchists ruled the streets. Today, every daughter is safe, traders feel secure, and those who disturbed peace are being crushed. Mahakal is turning their arrogance into anguish.” He lauded the state’s law and order improvements and job generation, citing over 8.5 lakh government jobs created in 8 years, including 60,200 police recruitments.
At the event, CM Yogi launched the Sambhal Samvad App, laid the foundation of the District Magistrate Office and integrated residential buildings, observed an exhibition on archaeological finds from the region, and conducted the Annaprashan Sanskar for newborns. He also distributed cheques, house keys, certificates, and saplings to beneficiaries and citizens.
Projects worth Rs 659 crore include upgrades in education, vocational training, drinking water supply, Anganwadi centres, and composite schools.
CM Yogi urged people to celebrate upcoming festivals including Raksha Bandhan (August 9), Independence Day (August 15), and Krishna Janmashtami (August 16)—by hoisting the national flag as per PM Modi’s call for national unity.
Praising the resilience of Sambhal’s people during communal tensions, Yogi assured them that the double-engine government is committed to both development and religious rejuvenation. The event was attended by BJP state president Bhupendra Chaudhary, Ministers Gulab Devi, Dharamveer Prajapati, Sardar Baldev Singh Olakh, regional BJP leaders, and district officials.
