By Bulletin Times 
Communal Violence and Legacy: Yogi Adityanath’s Address in UP Assembly
In his address to the Uttar Pradesh Assembly during the ongoing four-day session, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath raised questions about the nature and patterns of communal violence in the state. He pointedly asked why clashes frequently erupt during Hindu processions passing through Muslim-majority areas, whereas Muslim processions passing through Hindu-dominated localities remain peaceful.
Reflecting on the history of Sambhal—a town with a turbulent past—Adityanath highlighted instances of violence, dating as far back as 1947. He claimed that 184 Hindus were burned in 1974, and since independence, a total of 209 Hindus have lost their lives in Sambhal’s communal conflicts. On recent incidents, he firmly stated, “The stone pelters will not be spared. Justice will prevail.”
The Chief Minister also criticized opposition parties, particularly Congress, for what he described as their “exclusive ownership” of India’s history. Without naming names, Adityanath remarked, “Some people treat ‘Discovery of India’ as the oldest and only account of this nation’s legacy.”
Turning his attention to a recent event in Sambhal, Adityanath spoke of a temple that was unlocked following decades of encroachment. The temple, housing a Jyotirlinga and an ancient idol of Bajrang Bali, symbolized, according to him, “our enduring heritage and undeniable history.”
Adityanath highlighted the extensive preparations for the upcoming Prayagraj Mahakumbh, a monumental cultural and spiritual gathering. Scheduled from January 13 to February 26, the event is expected to draw 40 crore devotees, but he assured that arrangements are being made to host up to 100 crore pilgrims.
Meanwhile, the session began on a combative note as Samajwadi Party legislators staged protests on the steps of the Vidhan Sabha. Their placards blamed the BJP government for failing to prevent communal riots in the state.
Responding to these claims, the Chief Minister presented NCRB data to counter the allegations. He stated that communal riots in Uttar Pradesh have seen a sharp decline—97 to 99 percent—since 2017 under BJP’s governance. Comparing previous administrations, he noted that between 2012 and 2017, 815 riots occurred, resulting in 192 deaths, while between 2007 and 2011, there were 616 communal riots claiming 121 lives. Not a single major riot has occurred in the state since 2017,” Adityanath confidently declared.
His speech reflected a blend of historical reflection, sharp political commentary, and an emphasis on law and order achievements under his leadership.