Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while addressing a campaign rally in Faridabad, shared a compelling anecdote from his recent visit to Jammu and Kashmir. Adityanath recounted an unexpected encounter with a Muslim cleric, a Maulvi, who greeted him with “Ram Ram,” a gesture he attributed to the significant changes in the region following the abrogation of Article 370.
“This is the effect of the abrogation of Article 370. Those who once challenged India’s sovereignty are now embracing our culture by saying ‘Ram Ram,’” the chief minister stated, drawing enthusiastic cheers of ‘Jai Shree Ram’ from the crowd. He further expressed optimism about the future, predicting that, with a stronger India and BJP, people would soon be chanting “Hare Rama, Hare Krishna” in the streets.
Adityanath also highlighted the absence of communal violence in Uttar Pradesh during his tenure, contrasting it with the state’s turbulent past. “Have you heard of a riot in your neighbouring state, Uttar Pradesh, in the last seven and a half years?” he asked, to which the crowd responded with a resounding “No.” He reminded the audience that before his leadership, riots were a frequent occurrence.
The rally in Haryana comes as the state gears up for the upcoming assembly elections on October 5. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), seeking a third consecutive term, has laid out a robust manifesto. Key promises include monthly assistance of ₹2,100 for women, two lakh government jobs, and scooters for female college students in rural areas. The party has also pledged to expand the Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement from 14 to 24 crops, ensuring better support for farmers.
Last month, the Haryana cabinet approved the purchase of 10 additional crops at MSP, further solidifying the BJP’s commitment to agricultural reforms. The Election Commission of India revised the polling date for the 90-member Haryana assembly from October 1 to October 5, with the counting of votes for both Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir assemblies set for October 8.
Adityanath’s address not only underscored the BJP’s developmental agenda but also reinforced the narrative of unity and cultural integration, exemplified by his experience in Jammu and Kashmir.
