Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress during a public gathering in Pratapgarh, accusing the opposition of remaining silent on issues related to Waqf properties while questioning their criticism over the alleged land-related controversy linked to Ayodhya.
Questions Opposition Over Ayodhya And Waqf Land
Raising questions over the opposition’s stand, Yogi Adityanath said, “I want to ask the people of the Samajwadi Party and the Congress: regarding the alleged theft in Ayodhya, over which you are making a mockery of Hindu faith, tell me, did you speak up even once about thousands of hectares of land, both within the state and across the country, were sold off in the name of the Waqf. This land belonged to the poor and the weaker sections of society. This was land that could have been allotted to the poor via leases; where convention centers could have been built; where shops and commercial establishments could have been created for poor traders.”
Refers To SIT Probe Into Ayodhya Matter
The Chief Minister said the Uttar Pradesh government acted after the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust sought an investigation into the alleged irregularities.
He said, “The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust had requested the Uttar Pradesh government to constitute an SIT, and I had assured that the SIT would uncover the absolute truth. Subsequently, action was taken against those for whom evidence existed. But I ask: why do the people of the Samajwadi Party and the Congress seem to have their mouths sealed shut with fevicol when it comes to the Waqf issue? Was Hindu faith not hurt when they misused funds donated by Hindus—meant for religious sites—to build boundary walls for graveyards? Was Hindu faith not hurt when they ran illegal slaughterhouses, facilitated the killing of Gau Mata and allowed her to be crushed at the hands of smugglers? Was Hindu faith not hurt when they unleashed bullets and lathis upon Ram bhakts in Ayodhya? I want to ask the Samajwadi Party and the Congress: when they used to restrict the Kanwar Yatra, were Hindu sentiments not hurt then? The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust is managing the temple’s affairs, and there is no outside interference in its work.”
‘Chameleon’ Jibe At Opposition
Continuing his criticism of the opposition parties, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister also took a swipe at the Samajwadi Party and Congress over what he described as changing political positions.
He remarked, “Even a chameleon would likely feel embarrassed when compared to these ‘Samajwadis’ and Congress members, thinking, ‘Look, a new species has emerged that changes colors even faster than we do.'”
