Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has defended his government's directive prohibiting Muslims from offering namaz on public roads, emphasizing that roads are meant for vehicular and pedestrian movement. In an exclusive interview with PTI, Adityanath urged Muslims to adopt religious discipline, citing the Maha Kumbh Mela as an example where millions of Hindus participated without any incidents of crime, destruction, or harassment.

Addressing criticism of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, he accused Waqf boards of being centers of self-interest and property misappropriation, arguing that they have done little for the welfare of Muslims. He contrasted this with Hindu temples and religious institutions, which he claimed contribute significantly to education and healthcare. Despite possessing vast properties, he questioned whether Waqf boards had meaningfully contributed to the welfare of even the Muslim community. Adityanath asserted that Waqf properties are often used to encroach on government land, making legal reforms necessary despite opposition. He expressed confidence that the proposed law would ultimately benefit Muslims.

Known for his strong Hindutva stance and tough governance approach, Adityanath dismissed allegations of discrimination against Muslims. He pointed out that while Muslims constitute 20% of Uttar Pradesh's population, they account for 35-40% of beneficiaries under various government welfare schemes. He maintained that his administration follows a policy of neither appeasement nor discrimination, ensuring benefits reach all eligible citizens.

Regarding his widely known "bulldozer model" of governance, he clarified that its purpose extends beyond punitive measures, as it is also used for infrastructure development and removing illegal encroachments. He stated that the Supreme Court has not issued any negative remarks about Uttar Pradesh's bulldozer policy and, in fact, acknowledged the state’s guidelines on the matter.

Defending the Meerut administration’s warning against namaz on roads, Adityanath reiterated that public spaces should not be used for religious gatherings. He urged critics to observe how 66 crore people attended the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh without any law-and-order disruptions, calling it an example of religious discipline that others should follow.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.