UP: Yogi Adityanath warns Waqf Board of action over Maha Kumbh land claims

Adityanath’s sharp remarks were made during an event hosted by Aaj Tak, days after a cleric alleged that the Maha Kumbh was being held on waqf land.

Asked about the participation of Muslims at the Maha Kumbh, Adityanath stated that people who respect India and its culture are welcome.

However, he cautioned against malicious intentions.

"Anyone who respects Indian traditions is welcome," Adityanath remarked.

"Many people had ancestors who converted to Islam under pressure in the past, yet they still take pride in Indian traditions. If such people, following traditions, come to take a dip in the Ganga, there is no problem. But if someone comes with the intention of claiming the land, they might face denting-painting," he told Aaj Tak.

He also assured that "there would be no discrimination of any kind" as millions of devotees from across the country and the world prepare for the Maha Kumbh, which takes place every 12 years.

"Those who view Sanatan Dharma with their narrow vision should come and witness how millions of people participate at the Maha Kumbh and take a holy dip in the Ganges without any discrimination of gender, caste, creed and religion," he added.

The Chief Minister launched a scathing attack on the Waqf Board, asserting the state government’s intent to recover all land taken under the guise of waqf.

"The Kumbh has been a symbol of India's heritage for thousands of years and has always taken place here. It is not the Waqf Board but a board of land mafias," he declared.

Adityanath added that recent legal amendments had strengthened efforts to reclaim such land.

"Wherever the word 'waqf' appears, it will be investigated to see in whose name the land was originally registered, and efforts will be made to return it to its rightful owners," he said, reported Aaj Tak.

The remarks come against the backdrop of discussions around the amendments to the Waqf Bill, tabled last year, which aim to streamline the registration of waqf properties.

Addressing his contentious "batenge toh katenge (if divided, we will be harmed)" slogan from the Maharashtra elections, Adityanath rejected allegations of voter polarisation.

"There is no such thing as Hindu polarisation. It's about India's history," he explained, urging critics to examine historical patterns.

"If you take a glance at history, you will see that division led to suffering. If we learn from our past mistakes, then a situation where we are shackled by the chains of slavery will never rise again. The slogan was aimed at addressing these issues," Adityanath said during the event.