UP, July 22 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday accused the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress of disregarding India’s cultural heritage and glorifying foreign invaders, asserting that such practices have no place in an independent nation.
Addressing a public gathering in Shravasti after inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for 83 development projects worth more than ₹396 crore, Adityanath alleged that the opposition had never respected the legacy associated with the Ramayana era or Maharaja Suheldev, whom he described as a symbol of resistance against foreign invaders.
Referring to historical accounts, the chief minister said Maharaja Suheldev defeated Ghaznavid commander Ghazi Saiyyad Salar Masood in the Battle of Bahraich in 1033 AD. He alleged that previous governments had promoted events in the name of Salar Masood, but his administration had put an end to such practices.
“Invaders cannot be honoured in free India,” Adityanath said, adding that his government had prohibited fairs or public events commemorating foreign invaders and warned of action against those attempting to organise them.
The chief minister also criticised the Congress over the pace of development in Shravasti, claiming the region remained neglected for decades despite the party governing the country for a long period after Independence. He alleged that local heritage was ignored and infrastructure development failed to keep pace.
Highlighting recent infrastructure initiatives, Adityanath credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with approving the railway line connecting Bahraich, Shravasti and Balrampur with Khalilabad, saying the project had significantly improved regional connectivity.
Turning to law and order, the chief minister referred to the arrest of Jalaluddin alias Chhangur Baba, the alleged mastermind of an illegal religious conversion racket. He said the accused had been arrested in Balrampur and that properties linked to his alleged unlawful activities had been demolished under the state’s anti-encroachment drive.
Without naming Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav directly, Adityanath mocked the functioning of the previous SP government, alleging that governance had taken a back seat while criminal elements operated with impunity.
He further claimed that under earlier administrations, organised crime flourished across districts, with mafias controlling land, sand mining, forests and cattle trade. According to him, ordinary citizens struggled to access essential welfare benefits, healthcare, employment opportunities and support for farmers.
The chief minister said the present state government had prioritised infrastructure, public welfare and stronger law enforcement to improve governance across Uttar Pradesh.