Yogi Adityanath Accuses ‘Divisive Forces’ Of Defaming Kanwar Yatra, Inciting Tribal Discord

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday (18 July) defended the Kanwar Yatra and criticised attempts to malign it.

At a seminar on tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda in Varanasi, he said certain elements were deliberately branding Kanwariyas as miscreants to undermine India’s cultural heritage, The Hindu reported.

Adityanath stated, “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 added that such groups were using fake social media accounts to create caste tensions and target symbols of Indian faith.

He linked the criticism of the Yatra with past attempts to isolate tribal communities from the national mainstream.

“They conspired at every level to make them fight against India. This is the same community that always insults the faith of India,” the CM said.

Recollecting a past arson case, Adityanath said, "I had remarked then that such an act likely didn’t belong to any particular community. The investigation later confirmed that the person involved was wearing a saffron scarf but 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.

“Such elements must face strict action,” he asserted.

Praise for Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas

He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for declaring 15 November as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.

Adityanath hailed the decision as something which installed a sense of respect and recognition in tribal communities.

“Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas is a gesture of gratitude and a bridge of communication with them,” he said. 

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