Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued a stark warning about the dangers of "political Islam," describing it as a significant threat aimed at altering India's demographic fabric. Speaking at an event in Gorakhpur commemorating the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) centenary, Adityanath underscored that historical figures such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Guru Gobind Singh, Maharana Pratap, and Maharana Sanga resisted this force, yet its impact remains underexplored in contemporary discourse.

Adityanath highlighted a recent case in Balrampur district involving Chhangur Baba, alias Jalaluddin Shah, who was arrested in July for operating an illegal religious conversion network. He accused elements like Chhangur Baba of advancing "political Islam" to fragment India, alleging that such operatives offer financial incentives for conversions, with funds sourced opaquely from within the country. "The money is coming from you," he stated, urging vigilance.

The Chief Minister also criticized the Halal certification industry, claiming it generates Rs 25,000 crore annually without central or state government oversight. He alleged that these funds are diverted to support terrorism, religious conversions, and "love jihad." Adityanath noted that Uttar Pradesh has banned Halal certification, pointing out its application to everyday items like soap, clothing, and matchsticks. He called on citizens to scrutinize products for such certifications to curb the flow of illicit funds.

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Halal certification, which denotes compliance with Islamic law, is voluntary in India and managed by third-party organizations. However, Adityanath warned that individuals like Chhangur Baba are emblematic of broader covert networks, urging the public to remain alert to such threats.

In a sharp critique, Adityanath targeted Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav for questioning the state's Deepotsav celebrations marking Diwali. He accused Yadav of harboring disdain for Hindu festivals and sacred sites, particularly Ayodhya's Ram Janmabhoomi. Adityanath further remarked that Yadav's comments disregarded the economic contributions of the Prajapati community, whose pottery sustains livelihoods during the festival. "Some inherit thrones but not wisdom," he quipped, labeling Yadav a "traitor to Sanatan Dharma traditions."

Adityanath praised the RSS for its efforts to unify society against divisive forces, positioning it as a bulwark against threats to India's cultural and national integrity. His remarks underscore the ongoing tensions surrounding religious and cultural identity in Uttar Pradesh, raising critical questions about the intersection of faith, politics, and security.

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