New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Tuesday that while the impact of British and French colonialism is often highlighted in history, the influence of what he called “political Islam” on India’s civilisation and faith has largely been ignored. Speaking at an event in Gorakhpur marking the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), he claimed that this ideological force had dealt one of the strongest blows to Sanatan Dharma.
Addressing the ‘Vichar-Parivar Kutumb Sneh Milan’ and ‘Deepotsav Se Rashtrotsav’ programmes, the Chief Minister said that great warriors like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Guru Gobind Singh, Maharana Pratap, and Maharana Sanga fought significant battles against “political Islam”. He remarked that while colonial resistance is widely discussed, the struggles waged by these leaders are often overlooked in mainstream historical narratives.
Highlighting the RSS’ century-long journey, Adityanath lauded its contribution to the Ram Temple movement in Ayodhya. “During the Ram Temple struggle, the Sangh faced restrictions, lathi charges, and even bullets, yet its volunteers remained resolute. The grand temple in Ayodhya today stands as a symbol of that determination,” he said.
Adityanath also alleged that activities promoting “political Islam” continue to operate under various guises and referred to his government’s recent decision to ban the sale of Halal-certified products in Uttar Pradesh. He claimed that profits from such products were being diverted for conversion, love jihad, and terrorism.
Discussing the RSS’ centenary initiatives, the Chief Minister outlined five areas of focus social harmony, strengthening family values, environmental protection, promoting indigenous goods for self-reliance, and civic responsibility which he said form the foundation of a developed India.
“For a truly developed nation, society must take the lead and the government must follow,” Adityanath said, urging citizens to embrace collective responsibility in building a self-reliant and united India.
