CM Yogi Adityanath Asserts Constitutional Propriety in UP Assembly Speech
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath delivered a strong rebuke to the Opposition in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Friday, addressing the controversy surrounding Swami Avimukteshwaranand. He firmly stated that no individual, regardless of position, is above the law, and all must uphold constitutional propriety.
Defending Tradition and Law Enforcement
Speaking during the discussion on the Governor's address in the Budget session, Yogi Adityanath referenced the ancient Shankaracharya institution established by Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya. He highlighted the four sacred peeths—Jyotish Peeth in the north, Sringeri in the south, Jagannath Puri in the east, and Dwarka in the west—each linked to one of the four Vedas.
"Not everyone can call himself a Shankaracharya. Nor can anyone assume the role of a peeth's acharya and create unrest at will. The dignity and discipline of these traditions must be maintained," the Chief Minister asserted in Hindi.
Crowd Safety Concerns at Magh Mela
In an apparent reference to the incident where Swami Avimukteshwaranand was denied entry on a palki at the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, Yogi Adityanath emphasized critical crowd management issues. He explained that with 4.5 crore devotees gathering, permitting unauthorized entry through exit gates could trigger stampede-like situations, endangering lives.
"A responsible and restrained person cannot behave in such a manner. We believe in the rule of law and know how to enforce it. Law is equal for all—there is no separate law for me. Even the chief minister's post is not above the law," he declared.
Questioning Opposition's Stance
The Chief Minister challenged the Opposition's defense of the seer, pointing to past incidents. "If he was indeed a Shankaracharya, why was there a lathicharge during the previous SP government? Why was an FIR lodged? You speak of morality," he remarked. This refers to a 2015 incident in Varanasi where seers, including Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, were lathicharged.
Broader Accusations Against Opposition
Yogi Adityanath accused Opposition parties of glorifying anti-national elements while disrespecting national heroes and cultural symbols. He alleged that certain parties supported events linked to figures like Ghazi, questioning their ideological alignment. Invoking Maharaja Suheldev's legacy, he urged drawing lessons from the king's bravery against invaders.
"You glorify those who worked against the nation and insult national heroes," the CM said, without specifying any individual or party.
Electoral Roll Revision and Conduct Criticism
The Chief Minister slammed the Opposition for opposing the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. He claimed that 2.88 crore people did not submit forms, including 46.23 lakh deceased, 1.39 crore permanently shifted, 25.47 lakh duplicate entries, and around 80 lakh absentees.
He also criticized the Samajwadi Party's conduct during the Governor's address, calling it an insult to the constitutional head and to "matrashakti" (womanhood). Citing Maharishi Ved Vyasa as a foremost exponent of Sanatan Dharma, Yogi noted the sage's description of a mother as the ultimate protector, questioning the Opposition's behavior.
Zero-Tolerance Policy on Crime
Reiterating his administration's stance, Yogi Adityanath emphasized a zero-tolerance policy against crime from Day 1. "Criminals are criminals. Whoever commits a crime will face the law," he stated, reinforcing his commitment to law and order in Uttar Pradesh.
