New Delhi, April 1: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday defended his administration’s decision to warn Muslims against offering namaz on streets, emphasizing that roads are meant for the movement of traffic. He also urged Muslims to learn religious discipline from Hindus, citing the peaceful conduct of the Maha Kumbh Mela, where millions participated without incidents of crime or disturbance.
In an exclusive interview, Adityanath also addressed criticism of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, stating that Waqf boards have become “den of selfish interests” and have contributed little to the welfare of Muslims. He accused them of property grabbing and questioned why Waqf boards, despite owning vast amounts of land, have not invested in charity or social welfare like Hindu temples and mutts. “Have Waqf properties been used for any welfare of Muslims?” he asked, emphasizing that the proposed reform was necessary to tackle misuse and ensure benefits for the community.
On allegations of discrimination against Muslims, the BJP leader rejected such claims, asserting that Muslims in Uttar Pradesh, who make up 20% of the population, represent 35-40% of beneficiaries in government welfare schemes. He insisted that his administration does not engage in either discrimination or appeasement, focusing solely on delivering welfare to all citizens regardless of religion.
Adityanath also defended his controversial “bulldozer model,” now adopted by other states, calling it a necessary tool for removing encroachments and building infrastructure. He claimed that the Supreme Court’s observations against the use of bulldozers have not applied to Uttar Pradesh, with the Court even praising the state’s guidelines on the issue.
Regarding the ongoing controversy over the warning against namaz on roads in Meerut, the Chief Minister stood firm, asserting that there was nothing wrong with the move. He argued that public roads should be used for their intended purpose—traffic movement—and urged critics to learn discipline from the peaceful organization of religious events like the Kumbh Mela, where millions of people attended without any incidents.
Tags: Northlines, Yogi Adityanath
