LUCKNOW: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made a reference to the Kashi and Mathura issues during a session on Wednesday. He emphasized the demand for three centers of faith linked to three deities, citing a line from Ramdhari Singh Dinkar’s poem ‘Krishna Ki Chetavani’ from his book ‘Rashmirathi’. This marks a significant move by a prominent BJP leader to stake claim to Kashi and Mathura, following recent developments such as a Varanasi court allowing puja inside a cellar of Gyanvapi Masjid and an RTI reply revealing that the Keshavdev temple in Mathura was demolished for the construction of Mughal king Aurangzeb’s mosque. Yogi highlighted the importance of resolving long-standing disputes in Kashi and Mathura, stating that these places are not ordinary but special as they are linked to the incarnation of gods.
Yogi referred to the demand for these places as a response to historic injustices and emphasized their significance. He quoted from ‘Rashmirathi’, drawing a parallel to the rigidity and politics surrounding these issues. Yogi also emphasized the respect for common faith and the majority population’s plea for the three places.
He further referred to recent events, including a court order allowing puja at the Gyanvapi cellar in Varanasi, to underline the rising sentiment regarding these religious sites.
During his reply to the governor’s address in the budget session, Yogi expressed satisfaction over the installation of Lord Ram in the temple in Ayodhya, citing it as a testament to perseverance and fulfilling promises. He stressed that the country is no longer willing to praise plunderers, drawing parallels from the Mahabharata and emphasizing the significance of the historical day of January 22 for India and the world.
Yogi also criticized the opposition, particularly the Samajwadi Party and its leader Akhilesh Yadav, for their stance against the Ram Temple, highlighting the injustices endured by Ayodhya during previous administrations.
He raised concerns about the neglect of Ayodhya’s infrastructure and essential facilities, further referencing initiatives made in the name of Mata Shabri and Nishadraj. Yogi also quoted Governor Anandi Ben Patel’s address, stressing that the country will only accept the principles of Ram Rajya, not socialism, and expressing pride in the country’s legacy.
