‘A true Sanatani will never disrespect another faith’: Akhilesh Yadav attacks Yogi government over Saharanpur mosque demolition

Akhilesh Yadav has sharply attacked the Yogi Adityanath government over the demolition of a mosque at the Saharanpur district magistrate’s office complex, saying those who destroy religious places or disrespect another faith “can never be Sanatani.”

The Samajwadi Party chief said Sanatan Dharma teaches the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or that society and the world are one family. “No true Sanatani, true Hindu will play with the faith of another religion,” he said, arguing that communal harmony should be the government’s highest priority.

Yadav also criticized journalists whom he accused of accepting money for political promotion. He urged them not to distort the issue and said a true Sanatani is someone who supports harmony. “Harmony is the biggest responsibility of the government, and priority should also be harmony,” he said.

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Those who demolish can never be Sanatani who don't respect other religions. They can never be Sanatani who play with others' faith. They can never be Sanatani, and a true Hindu can never disrespect another.

Questioning the circumstances of the demolition, Yadav alleged that the government was intentionally turning the matter into a communal controversy. He linked the dispute to alleged theft involving donations made for the Ram temple and asked why the authorities did not wait for appeals in the High Court or Supreme Court. He further alleged that officials acted at the government’s direction, denying the mosque committee the chance to pursue justice.

The remarks followed the demolition of the Saharanpur Collectorate mosque early Saturday. A district judge’s court had dismissed the mosque committee’s appeal on September 4 and upheld an earlier order by the city magistrate to remove the structure.

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Harmony is the biggest responsibility of the government, and priority should also be harmony.