CM Yogi’s Major Statement in UP Assembly: ‘209 Hindus Killed in Sambhal’
During the Uttar Pradesh Assembly Winter Session, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was talking about Sambhal and Bahraich where communal riots took place. He also mentioned here that according to NCRB, the percentage of communal riots reduced by 97% to 99% from the years 2017 until date.
Conflict Over the Survey in Sambhal
Referring to questions over a survey in Sambhal, CM Yogi clarified that it was being undertaken under judicial orders. The CM criticized the people, who were questioning the survey, by asking them why they are misleading people. He said, "Jai Shri Ram" is not that word which could be deemed provocative, as "Ram Ram" is the way people greet here, even in western regions of the state.
A Glimpse of Communal Past
The Chief Minister described the history of communal tension in Sambhal, recalling incidents dating back to 1947. Between 1947 and the present, he said, approximately 209 Hindus had lost their lives in communal clashes. In particular, he mentioned a disturbing episode in 1978 in which 184 Hindus were allegedly killed and burned. CM Yogi said that no words of condolence had been offered for these victims and emphasized that violence had recurred multiple times over the decades—in 1948, 1958, 1962, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1992, and 1996.
Political Opposition and Agenda
CM Yogi targeted the Opposition for selectively raising issues according to their interests and agendas. He mentioned crime statistics to say that NCRB data reveals that 817 riots occurred in the state between 2012 and 2017, claiming 192 lives. At the same time, between 2007 and 2011, there were 616 communal incidents and 121 casualties.
'Ram Ram' as a Greeting
Regarding the controversy over chanting "Jai Shri Ram," CM Yogi said that while "Ram Ram" is a greeting, "Ram Nam Satya Hai" is chanted in the funeral procession. He insisted that "Jai Shri Ram" cannot be an irritant or challenge to any section of society.
Attacking Opponents Over By-Election Results
Referring to the Opposition's accusations relating to by-election results--in particular, the charge that victory in Kundarki constituted a "vote loot", the Chief Minister ridiculed the Opposition. He said people were again rediscovering their roots. The Chief Minister suggested that such awareness could eventually lead to further awakening about shared heritage and further said that opponents who pin their narrative on certain historical claims must read the "Baburnama" to understand why many temple destructions and such issues occurred.
