Ayodhya: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath delivered a powerful address in Ayodhya on Friday, strongly emphasizing cow protection, social unity, and the preservation of Sanatan Dharma. During his speech, the Chief Minister shared a recent encounter with a delegation of Muslim clerics, using it to underscore his firm stance on the cultural and religious significance of the cow in India.
The Chief Minister narrated that a group of maulvis recently approached him with a memorandum demanding that the cow be declared the national animal. However, he expressed deep shock upon noticing the word animal used for the cow in their document. Recounting his sharp response, Yogi Adityanath stated that he told the delegation the person submitting the memorandum possesses the intellect of an animal. He reminded them that the cow is worshipped as a mother in Sanatan Dharma and is considered the mother of the entire universe.
Taking the confrontation further, the Chief Minister revealed that he personally called some clerics from the delegation to question their choice of words. He asked how they would feel if the same derogatory term was applied to them. When the clerics apologized and called it a mistake, he questioned whether it was a genuine error or intentional mischief. In a direct challenge, he asked the maulvis if they were now going to teach Hindus how to worship the holy cow. He advised the clerics that instead of preaching to him, they should urge their own community to stop cow smuggling and slaughter, which would significantly reduce the burden on law enforcement agencies.
Reaffirming his administration commitment to animal welfare, Yogi Adityanath highlighted that the state government is currently protecting around sixteen lakh cows in various shelters. He also mentioned his personal dedication to raising cows at his own ashram, adding that no Hindu ritual is ever complete without their presence.
Beyond cow protection, the Chief Minister issued a strong warning against ongoing attempts to divide the nation along the lines of caste, region, and language. Drawing lessons from history, he pointed out that India suffered foreign invasions and slavery primarily because its society was divided. Citing historical events from 1526 in Sambhal and 1528 in Ayodhya, he stressed that a lack of united resistance led to the destruction of cultural heritage.
Wrapping up his address, the Chief Minister cautioned citizens about political conspiracies involving fake social media accounts designed to incite caste based conflicts. He urged the public to remain vigilant, stating that certain elements are still attempting to target Ayodhya and create a hostile atmosphere against Sanatan traditions.