Bid to defame kanwariyas as unruly: Yogi says Kanwar Yatra progressing peacefully

He emphasised that the Kanwar Yatra embodies unity transcending caste, creed, and sect. “Today, the Yatra is progressing peacefully and with devotion, yet some label it as unruly. These are the same forces that try to mislead and provoke tribal communities. We must remain alert to such divisive elements,” he warned.

He condemned attempts to fuel caste and communal tensions via fake social media identities. Recalling a specific incident, he said, “A few years ago, there was a case of arson. I remarked then that such an act likely didn’t belong to any particular community. The investigation later confirmed that although the person involved was wearing a saffron scarf, he was shouting ‘Ya Allah’. These deceptive individuals must be exposed and excluded from society if we are to protect national unity.”

He added that the same forces who spread caste-based hatred online had also tried to provoke tribal communities against the nation.

He cited a recent incident from Jaunpur, where a tall ‘Tazia’ was constructed in violation of safety norms and came into contact with a high-tension wire, tragically claiming three lives. “Following this, an attempt was made to block roads and create unrest. I instructed the police to take strict action. Those disrupting social harmony must understand that peace and order are paramount,” he asserted.

In his address, Adityanath emphasised that tribal society has always been the “bedrock of the country’s Sanatan tradition.” He highlighted its enduring role in defending the nation and safeguarding cultural values across eras. Referring to the Ramayana, he said, “When Lord Rama was in exile and Mother Sita was abducted, it was the tribal community that stood by him, despite the absence of Ayodhya’s army.

Similarly, Maharana Pratap reorganised his army in the forests of the Aravalli Range with the support of tribal groups and resisted Akbar. Chhatrapati Shivaji, too, relied on the Vanvasi (forest dwellers) society to lay the foundation of the Hindavi Swarajya.”

The Chief Minister emphasised that Indian tradition has never confined Hindu identity to temple visits or scriptural belief. “Both the believer and the non-believer are Hindus. Charvak and Lord Buddha did not accept the Vedas, yet they are deeply respected in our tradition. Then why question the identity of tribal communities in the context of Hinduism?” he asked.