Defending his government’s bulldozer action, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath questioned whether he would do “aarti” of criminals who illegally grabbed government property. He asserted that no riots or curfews happened in the state since he took office in 2017.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday defended his government’s bulldozer action against criminals and the mafia in the state, and asserted that if anyone created any obstacles in the path of development, action should be taken soon.
Speaking on ANI Podcast with Editor Smita Prakash, Adityanath said that bulldozers and modern machines are required for developing the state.
If a huge state like Uttar Pradesh should be developed rapidly, do we need shovels and spades in today’s era? Earlier, if any work was approved, then the mafia used to come and grab illegal property. Previous governments did not dare take action against the mafia,” he said.
Asked why his government was demolishing houses of criminals with bulldozers, the Chief Minister replied, “Should I do aarti of those who have illegally grabbed government property? The people of Uttar Pradesh want action against criminals and the mafia.”
He also refuted allegations that his government was solely targeting criminals belonging to minority communities.
“Let a single, innocent Muslim come and tell me that I am facing injustice. And after all, the court is there for all of them.”
Adityanath further said the rule of law was equal to everyone, irrespective of religion and security should be guaranteed to the people of the state.
‘PEOPLE SHOULD HOLD NATION FIRST, NOT RELIGION’
On a question regarding linking religion with Vande Mataram, Adityanath said that the country will be run as per the Constitution and not dictated by any religion or opinion.
Your religion and your opinion will be in your own way, in your own houses, in your places of worship and not creating ruckus publicly on roads. If someone has to live in this country, then they have to hold the nation above anything else, not their religion or opinion. Nation first,” he said.
‘NO RIOTS, CURFEW IN PAST SIX YEARS’
Responding to a question on criticism of his Hindutva image, Adityanath asserted that no riots and curfews had been imposed in the past six years since the BJP government came to power in the state.
“If they are capable, they will win. If we are capable, we will win. If we are not, we will lose. If the person is an opponent and capable of winning, he should win. This is a democratic right. We cannot deprive him of her of this,” he said.
