LUCKNOW: A sharp political war of words has erupted in Uttar Pradesh after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath raised concerns over “Love Jihad” and “Land Jihad,” prompting a swift and caustic counterattack from Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the nine-day Ramkatha Mahotsav in Lucknow, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued a stern warning to citizens to remain “vigilant” against what he described as deliberate “attempts to change the religious demography.” Striking a firm nationalist posture, the Chief Minister declared that India is not a “dharamshala” (inn or refuge) for those who lack faith and loyalty toward the nation, adding that “those who betrayed Ram found no place on earth.”
Drawing parallels to mythological events where Lord Ram countered demonic forces targeting ancient centres of knowledge, the Chief Minister cited judicial concerns raised by a High Court in 2009 and 2011 to back his claims. He highlighted that while his administration enacted a strict anti-unlawful religious conversion law in 2020, greater public awareness is vital to combat shifting demographics and “Land Jihad” activities. He cautioned the public against elements attempting to fracture society along the lines of caste, region, and language.
The remarks drew a sharp and personal retort from former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, who took a direct swipe at Yogi Adityanath’s monastic background. “He seems to have no affection for love, only for land,” Yadav snapped back, asserting that the Chief Minister “doesn’t understand love.”
Targeting the allegations surrounding “Land Jihad,” the SP chief challenged the administration, saying, “Just check the records in Gorakhpur to see in whose name the highest number of property registrations have been made.” Yadav further argued that true Sanatan Dharma guides its followers toward love, brotherhood, and truth, alleging that the head of the Uttar Pradesh government is straying from that path.
The fierce political exchange highlights the deep ideological divide in the state, where right-wing concerns over forced conversions and land encroachments frequently collide with opposition allegations of targeted political polarization.
