Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declared on Thursday that honoring historical invaders amounts to treason, emphasizing that independent India cannot accept those who insult its great leaders.
Speaking at an event in Mihinpurwa, Bahraich, he praised Maharaj Suheldev’s valor, stating, “The result of the bravery of Maharaj Suheldev was that for 150 years, no foreign invader dared to attack India. Glorifying any invader means strengthening the foundation of treason. Independent India cannot accept any traitor who insults the great men of India, glorifies those invaders who trampled the eternal culture of India, and attacked our faith. Today’s new India cannot accept him at all.”
His remarks follow violent clashes in Nagpur on March 17, where large-scale arson, vandalism, and stone-pelting between two communities left at least 30 police and fire brigade personnel injured, including three officers of deputy commissioner rank.
Tensions escalated as Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, and other groups intensified calls for the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khuldabad, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. The unrest spread across central Nagpur, with police deploying tear gas to control mobs in Chitnis Park, Mahal, and nearby areas. Videos of the violence quickly surfaced on social media.
Meanwhile, authorities have denied permission for the Neja Mela in Sambhal, an event traditionally held to commemorate Syed Salar Masud Ghazi, the nephew of Mahmud Ghaznavi, who led invasions into India, including the plunder of the Somnath temple.
Citing public objections, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shrish Chandra stated, “A community raised objections over the fair, and in the interest of public safety, permission is denied. The event cannot be organized in the name of a ‘plunderer,’ and any attempt to raise the ‘Neja Mela flag’ (a green flag) will be considered an act of anti-nationalism.”
