Political leaders slam Yogi Adityanath’s government for stoking communal tensions
Team Clarion
LUCKNOW — As violence in Sambhal continues to draw criticism, opposition leaders have intensified their attacks on the Uttar Pradesh government, accusing it of stoking communal discord. Rashtriya Shoshit Samaj Party chief Swami Prasad Maurya has stirred a fresh debate, asserting that those seeking temples beneath mosques should consider the historical precedence of Buddhist monasteries beneath Hindu temples.
“If every mosque is claimed to be built over a demolished temple, then it must also be acknowledged that many temples were constructed by replacing Buddhist monasteries. No one can deny this historical fact,” Maurya said.
Referring to major religious sites, Maurya remarked, “I have previously stated that Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Puri were once Buddhist monasteries. Those raising such issues must remember that the Constitution of India clearly mandates that all religious sites are to be preserved as they were in 1947.”
The leader also accused the government of fuelling unrest in Sambhal, saying, “The riots were orchestrated. Why did people shouting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ accompany officials on a survey? This clearly indicates who was behind the chaos and why.”
Leader of Opposition in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, Mata Prasad Pandey, also criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government for its handling of the Sambhal violence. Speaking candidly, he accused the police of using unauthorised methods to deal with protesters.
“The police possess illegal weapons in their warehouses, which are used strategically. They avoid using official firearms because doing so would make them accountable. This creates a dangerous precedent, and the government seems complicit in these activities,” Pandey alleged.
Pandey further accused the Yogi Adityanath government of harbouring a bias against certain communities. “The BJP thrives on maintaining communal tension, particularly in North India, to serve its political agenda,” he said.
The controversy in Sambhal erupted during a survey of the local Jama Masjid, which led to violent clashes. Critics argue that the government’s approach to such sensitive issues is inflaming communal tensions rather than fostering harmony.
Police have increased patrols in the affected areas to restore peace, but opposition leaders maintain that the state government’s actions have exacerbated the situation.
Maurya’s statement has added a new dimension to the ongoing debates about religious sites in India. By invoking the historical replacement of Buddhist monasteries with Hindu temples, he has challenged the narrative surrounding the reconstruction of temples over mosques.
Political analysts note that such remarks highlight the complex layers of India’s religious history and the need for caution when addressing these sensitive issues.
Responding to the allegations, BJP leaders have dismissed the claims as politically motivated. A party spokesperson stated, “The government is committed to maintaining law and order. Accusations of orchestrating riots or communal bias are baseless and intended to mislead the public.”
The unrest in Sambhal has reignited discussions about the role of politics in managing India’s religious diversity. While the legal and political battles continue, community leaders and activists are calling for dialogue and mutual respect to prevent further discord.
As investigations into the Sambhal violence proceed, the focus remains on finding a resolution that upholds the values of harmony enshrined in the Constitution.
