Yogi Adityanath Warns Against Divisive Forces in Society

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued a stern warning on March 12, 2024, against forces that seek to divide the nation along caste, regional, or linguistic lines. Speaking at the inauguration of a new auditorium at Sainik School Gorakhpur, he likened such divisive elements to historical figures known for their betrayals, stating they are committing “sins akin to those of Jaichand and Mir Jafar.”

Adityanath highlighted the detrimental impact of these forces, noting, “When such elements gain power, they think only of themselves and their families. They buy properties, hotels, and even islands abroad, conspiring to push the country into poverty.” He emphasized that national welfare is achievable only through unity and the eradication of discrimination.

Honoring National Heroes

During the ceremony, the Chief Minister unveiled a statue of General Bipin Rawat, India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, on the fourth anniversary of his death. The statue was installed by the GBR Memorial Foundation of India in recognition of Rawat’s service to the nation. Adityanath also released a booklet detailing Rawat’s life and contributions to national security.

Reflecting on contemporary challenges, Adityanath urged citizens to embrace the five pledges introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to build a “Viksit Bharat” or Developed India. He described these pledges as “eternal life mantras” and connected them to the vision for India by 2047, the centenary of independence.

“Would any true Indian want a poor, insecure, or weak India?” he asked the audience. “A true Indian would want only a strong, developed, and self-reliant India. Anyone who doesn’t want this cannot claim to be a true Indian.”

Emphasizing Heritage and Self-Reliance

Adityanath elaborated on the importance of honoring India’s historical figures, stating that society must celebrate its brave soldiers and iconic leaders, including Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, Maharana Pratap, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Guru Gobind Singh, and Rani Lakshmibai. He asserted that no society progresses by disregarding its heritage, urging citizens to shed the colonial mindset that undervalues indigenous products.

“We have to show the world we can build everything with our own strength,” he remarked, noting that both Uttar Pradesh and the country are moving rapidly in this direction. He also questioned the glorification of historical figures like Alexander the Great, stating, “For us, Maharana Pratap, Veer Shivaji, General Bipin Rawat, and Param Vir Chakra awardees are great.”

Adityanath concluded with a recognition of the sacrifices made by the armed forces, stating, “We sleep peacefully because our soldiers guard the borders, paramilitary forces patrol tirelessly, and police personnel work hard to maintain order.”

Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera, Director General of the Assam Rifles, also spoke at the event, commending General Rawat’s service to the nation as “worthy of being inscribed in golden letters.”