Yogi Adityanath Vows to Take Back Every Inch of Illegal Waqf Land

Lucknow: In a strong and clear message to ‘Waqf mafias,’ Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the Uttar Pradesh government will reclaim every inch of land that has been acquired under the pretext of Waqf. 

In an exclusive conversation with Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami during the Republic Bharat's Maha Kumbh Mahasammelan, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath said,“We will reclaim every inch of land that has been taken under the pretext of Waqf and it will be used to build housing, educational institutions, and hospitals for the poor."

Waqf Board or Board of Mafias?

Taking a strong stance on the Waqf Board, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said, “It is hard to tell whether it is a Waqf Board or a board of land mafias.”

He said his government has amended the Waqf Act and is actively investigating all "occupied" land.

Criticism of Samajwadi Party

Taking a jibe at the Samajwadi Party, CM Yogi urged its leaders to revisit the teachings of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia. 

“They should understand and study Dr. Lohia before doing politics in his name,” he said. 

He further explained Lohia’s principles: “First, a true ‘Samajwadi’ is the one who stays away from money and materialistic wealth. You can see their example.”

Highlighting the ancient heritage of Sanatan Dharma, Yogi asserted that the tradition of Kumbh far predates the Waqf institution.

"The stature of Sanatan Dharma is higher than the sky and its depth deeper than the ocean. It cannot be compared to any sect or religion," he said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath slammed the Waqf Board, calling it a “Mafia Board.” The Chief Minister addressed various issues, including land grabbing by the Waqf Board, opposition parties’ silence on the Maha Kumbh Mela, and the significance of Sanatan Dharma.

Waqf Board as ‘Mafia Board’

During the conversation, CM Yogi expressed his opinion on the land-grabbing allegations involving the Waqf Board. “I often think, is it the Waqf Board or the Mafia Board?” he remarked. 

He accused the board of claiming ownership of lands, including those used for the Maha Kumbh Mela.

He assured that every piece of land taken under the name of Waqf ownership would be reclaimed and used for the welfare of the poor. “Remember, we will acquire every inch of our land,” Yogi declared. He added, “We will use the reclaimed land to build houses, hospitals, and educational institutions for the poor.”

When questioned about the opposition’s silence on the issue, CM Yogi stated, “The opponents have been exposed, and the nation knows their reality.” 

Responding to the claim that the Maha Kumbh Mela is being conducted on Waqf land, CM Yogi said, “Our Kumbh traditions predate Waqf’s existence.”

On the Sanatan Board

While discussing whether a Sanatan Board should be formed like the Waqf Board, CM Yogi highlighted the supremacy of Sanatan Dharma. He dismissed comparisons between it and the Waqf Board. “Our Sanatan Dharma has no limits. It is higher than the sky and deeper than the ocean,” he said. He further added that Sanatan Dharma should not be equated with what he termed the “Mafia Board.”

Criticism of Samajwadi Party

Taking a jibe at the Samajwadi Party, CM Yogi urged its leaders to revisit the teachings of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia. “They should understand and study Dr. Lohia before doing politics in his name,” he said. He further explained Lohia’s principles: “First, a true ‘Samajwadi’ is the one who stays away from money and materialistic wealth. You can see their example.”

He continued, “Second, to understand Bharat, read Ram, Krishna, and Shankar. At least they should read Lohia to save future generations.”

On Ram Lalla and Hindu Leaders

When questioned about Hindu leaders of the opposition not visiting the Ram Lalla temple, CM Yogi responded, “We don’t have any restrictions on visiting. People who go are fortunate, and those who do not will face the consequences of their own actions.” He further asserted, “In the entire world, only Sanatan Dharma can give this freedom.”

He added, “They don’t have the moral strength to visit the Ram Lalla temple.”

CM Yogi criticized the opposition and accused them of misusing the Constitution. “Those who roam around with the Constitution are the ones who have violated it the most,” he said. He also pointed out, “Ambedkar’s Constitution didn’t have the words ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Preamble. They were added by Congress post-Emergency. They have done many unconstitutional acts.”

UP CM Breaks Silence on Sambhal Violence

Breaking his silence on the Sambhal violence in UP, Yogi Adityanath said that the survey orders were given by the judiciary, but riots, conflict, and chaos erupted in the district. The UP CM went on to say that baoris and temples in Sambhal were destroyed, but no one took cognizance of the matter. He condemned any kind of damage or violence against religious places. Comparing the riots in Sambhal to a disease, Yogi Adityanath said that it must be treated before it escalates.

The UP CM went on to say that there has been an ‘Islamization of Sambhal,’ with Hindu symbols, architecture, statues, and idols being demolished. He cited the ‘Ain-e-Akbari,’ in which it is mentioned that Mir Baki destroyed a temple in Sambhal and made a mosque in its place. Yogi Adityanath said that people who think destroying temples to build mosques is acceptable must introspect.

Republic Bharat's Mahakumbh Mahasammelan

To commemorate the historic Mahakumbh Mela set to begin on January 13, Republic Media Network is hosting a grand Mahakumbh Mahasammelan today, January 8, 2025 (Wednesday) in Lucknow. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will be gracing the event with his presence and will join Republic Bharat’s Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami to discuss the significance of the Mahakumbh. Additionally, Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar will provide insights into the high-tech security measures in place to ensure the safety of this historic event.

The Mahakumbh Mahasammelan will be telecast live on Republic Bharat, starting at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Viewers can also watch the live stream on all Republic Bharat social media platforms.