Before 2017, missionaries and Left tried to brainwash tribals: Yogi Adityanath

Adityanath was addressing a gathering at the worker felicitation ceremony of Shri Guru Gorakhnath Health Service Yatra held in Lucknow Monday evening. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale was present as the chief guest at the event.

Reflecting on the tense period of conflict between Maoists and Madhesis in Nepal, the chief minister recalled taking stock of the situation through office bearers of the Hindu Jagran Manch.

“It was then that I truly understood the unwavering efforts of the Sangh and its affiliated organisations in safeguarding and serving our border communities,” he added.

The chief minister expressed gratitude to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Bharat Ratna Nanaji Deshmukh, and his revered Guru, Mahant Avaidyanath, for their visionary contributions toward uplifting the underprivileged.

“They established hostels and schools for children, laying the foundation for educational and social empowerment in remote regions,” he said.

The chief minister further stated that tribal communities in forest areas remained neglected even decades after independence.

“You will be surprised to know that until 2017, these villagers had no right to vote, no ration cards, no electricity, roads, or healthcare,” he said. They were at the mercy of the forest department and the police and suffered years of exploitation, he added.

CM condoles death of Pope

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday condoled the passing away of Pope Francis in the Vatican.

“The passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, the supreme spiritual leader of the Catholic Christian community, is deeply saddening and an irreparable loss to the spiritual world. In this hour of grief, my condolences are with the global Catholic community,” Adityanath said in a statement.

“His Holiness Pope Francis will always be remembered for his compassion, humility and noble spirit of service. I pray to the Almighty to grant the departed soul eternal peace and give strength to his grieving followers to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti!” the CM said. —ENS