Lucknow – Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said India cannot be a “dharamshala” for the people who do not respect its traditions and called for vigilance against love jihad, land jihad and unlawful religious conversions. Yogi Adityanath asserted that India cannot become a refuge for individuals who do not respect the country’s traditions, culture and values. Addressing a large gathering at the concluding ceremony of a nine-day Shri Ram Katha Mahotsav in Lucknow, CM Yogi emphasized on the need for social unity while warning against what he described as conspiracies involving “love jihad,” “land jihad,” and unlawful religious conversions.
The event featured discourses by renowned spiritual leader Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Swami Rambhadracharya and focused on the teachings of Bhagwan Ram and their relevance in today’s society. Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that India’s spiritual and cultural traditions have long helped unite society and strengthen national unity. He said that some forces try to divide society on the basis of caste, language, region and other identities. However, India’s spiritual traditions and cultural values have always worked to unite people and strengthen the nation. He added that the ideals of Bhagwan Ram continue to bring people together across different regions, languages and cultures.
Highlighting the importance of cultural heritage, Adityanath said that Bhagwan Ram is not merely a religious figure but a symbol of righteousness, duty, good governance and social harmony. He noted that the values associated with Ram have influenced generations and remain relevant in addressing modern-day challenges. CM Yogi urged people to not only listen to spiritual teachings but also follow them in their daily lives.
Referring to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, Adityanath said that many sants and spiritual leaders worked for the cause to preserve India’s cultural heritage and traditions. He said their efforts were motivated by dedication to the nation’s heritage rather than personal gain or recognition. The Chief Minister also mentioned the Supreme Court’s 2019 verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi case, calling it an important milestone in Bharat’s legal and cultural history.
A major part of his speech focused on demographic changes and religious conversions. Yogi Adityanath said that practices often referred to as “love jihad” are part of efforts to influence the country’s demographic balance. He also mentioned concerns raised by courts in the past and said that the Uttar Pradesh government remains committed to stopping illegal religious conversions.
The state government introduced the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act in 2020, under which forced or fraudulent religious conversions are punishable by law. The government says the law aims to protect individual rights and ensure that people are free to choose their religion without pressure or coercion. He also cautioned against what he termed “land jihad,” a phrase often used in political discourse to describe alleged attempts to acquire land through illegal or deceptive means. He called upon citizens to remain aware of activities that could threaten social stability and national interests.
The Uttar Pradesh government under CM Yogi’s leadership has consistently said that protecting cultural heritage, maintaining law and order, and promoting social unity are among its key priorities. Concluding his address, the Chief Minister praised Swami Rambhadracharya for continuing to spread the teachings of Bhagwan Ram despite his age. He said the spiritual leader’s efforts are helping strengthen moral values and inspire future generations.
