India to run by constitution, not Islamic law: Yogi Adityanath
Ahead of the second phase of polling in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said India would function as per the constitution, not the Shariat law. The dream of "Ghazva-e-Hind (ultimate conquest of India)" would never come true, he added. "Those who dream of Gazva-e-Hind, religious fanatics of Talibani thinking, understand this...India will run according to the constitution, not according to Shariat."
Why does this story matter?
Yogi Adityanath's remarks came in the backdrop of massive protests in Karnataka and several other states over wearing hijab (headscarves) by Muslim girls. The comments were made hours before the second phase of polling in UP. Notably, assembly elections in UP are being held in seven phases from February 10 to March 7. Results will be declared on March 10.
'This is new India; there will be appeasement of none'
In an interview with ANI, Adityanath said, "I can say with utter clarity that this is new India...this is the India of world's most popular leader Prime Minister Narendra Modi." "In this new India, development is for all, and there will be appeasement of none," he added. He also repeated that Ghazva-e-Hind will not be fulfilled even "till the Qayamat (end of the world)."
Cannot impose personal beliefs on institutions: Adityanath on Karnataka row
Speaking on the hijab row in Karnataka, Adityanath said that he "strongly believes that the system should run as per the Indian Constitution." "We cannot impose our personal beliefs, our fundamental rights, our personal likes and dislikes on the country or institutions." "In schools, there should be a dress code. This is the matter of schools and the discipline in schools," he added.
One has to accept rules in institution: Adityanath
"Am I asking the people and workers in UP to wear saffron? What they want to wear is their choice," Adityanath said, adding, "but when one talks about institutions, then one has to accept the rules there."
Adityanath also clarifies '80% versus 20%' comment
Adityanath also explained his "80% versus 20%" comment that was being connected to a Hindu-Muslim divide in votes. Adityanath clarified that 80% are "those who back progress" and like honesty and transparency in government offices. However, 20% are those who "oppose everything" and have a negative attitude, he said. "This is how this election is that of 80 versus 20," he added.
Triple Talaq law ensures justice, empowerment girls: Adityanath
Adityanath further said that by putting an end to triple talaq, PM Modi ensured the "freedom and rights" of daughters of India. "It is for ensuring justice and honor and empowerment of the girls that these decisions are being taken," Adityanath said. "When the system will work according to the constitution, every girl will be protected, honored, and become self-reliant," he added.
Adityanath takes dig at Mamata Banerjee's UP visit
Adityanath also defended his earlier comment where he asked people to vote BJP lest UP will turn into a West Bengal or Kerala. "These people are coming from Bengal and spreading anarchy here," Adityanath said. Thus, it was my responsibility to alert people, he added. The comments came days after Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee visited UP to campaign for Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.
Akhilesh Yadav was busy sleeping: Adityanath
Adityanath also targeted Akhilesh Yadav, considered to be his strongest challenger in the polls. Adityanath said when Yadav was in power (2012-2017), he was too busy sleeping and dreaming to focus on the proper utilization of state funds. "He sleeps 12 hours, spends six hours with his friends, and the rest of the time, he would be busy with other work," he said.
'Gandhi siblings enough to drown Congress'
Yogi denied that he was targeting Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. "To drown the Congress, no one else is needed. The brother and sister duo are there. Why do you want to make Congress a burden there; I only appealed to people."
