Yogi Adityanath draws parallel between Ayodhya, Sambhal, and Bangladesh at Ramayan Mela

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath sparked debate on Thursday by comparing historical events in Ayodhya and Sambhal to ongoing incidents in Bangladesh. Speaking at the 43rd Ramayan Mela in Ayodhya, Adityanath drew a parallel between the actions of Mughal ruler Babur’s army and recent social unrest in Bangladesh, emphasizing their shared “DNA.”

"Five hundred years ago, Babur’s general committed certain deeds in Ayodhya and Sambhal," Adityanath remarked. "The same acts are seen today in Bangladesh. The nature and DNA of all three are identical." He argued that divisive forces had historically succeeded by creating social animosity and lamented their continued presence in modern times.

The chief minister highlighted how India’s failure to maintain unity allowed foreign invaders to exploit divisions, leading to the desecration of religious sites. "Had unity prevailed, this nation would never have been enslaved, and invaders would not have dared to challenge India’s strength," he said.

Adityanath also accused contemporary divisive elements of undermining social cohesion, often resorting to caste-based politics. "These forces have properties abroad, and during crises, they flee, leaving citizens to suffer," he added.

The speech received sharp criticism from opposition parties. Congress MP Tariq Anwar denounced the remarks as inflammatory. "A chief minister should not use divisive language. It is unacceptable and dangerous," he said.

The backdrop of Adityanath’s comments includes ongoing tensions in Sambhal, where a court-ordered Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) investigation into a local mosque, believed to be built on the site of a Hindu temple, led to communal violence. The unrest resulted in four deaths and multiple arrests, with authorities identifying over 400 suspects.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh has been grappling with political unrest and alleged attacks on religious minorities following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. Protests in Dhaka demand justice for atrocities, with activists calling for the release of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das.