Sambhal (Uttar Pradesh) [India], August 24 (HBTV): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 222 development projects worth INR 659 crore in Bahjoi, Sambhal district.

Addressing a large public gathering, he spoke about the preservation of Sambhal's religious heritage, historical injustices, and political opposition.

Describing Sambhal as a symbol of Hindu faith, Yogi Adityanath criticised foreign invaders, Congress, and the Samajwadi Party, warning that ‘those who sin with Sambhal will face severe punishment for their actions’. He stated that Sambhal once had 68 pilgrimage sites, 19 holy wells, and parikrama routes, but ‘foreign barbaric invaders desecrated and destroyed our pilgrimage sites. All the wells and pilgrimage sites were seized. The 24 and 84 Kos Parikrama routes were obstructed. A despicable attempt was made to erase the truth’.

Calling this a ‘despicable attempt’, he said his government would take responsibility for renovating these 68 pilgrimage sites and 19 wells. Referring to Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, he said that just as she renovated the Kashi Vishwanath and Somnath temples, Sambhal’s pilgrimage sites would also be revived. He added that development was meaningful only when connected to heritage, describing the initiative as a campaign to realise the golden dreams of the present and future.

Highlighting the religious significance of Sambhal, Yogi Adityanath said it was a collective darshan sthal of both Hari (Vishnu) and Har (Shiva), and the place where Kalki, the tenth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, would appear. Citing the Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran, Skanda Purana and Vishnu Purana, he said Sambhal was mentioned in scriptures as the centre of Lord Kalki’s incarnation in Kaliyug. He noted that while some might view this as controversial, those attempts to make Hindu traditions controversial would be opposed.

He compared Sambhal’s revival to that of Kashi and Ayodhya, asking: ‘If Kashi and Ayodhya can be revived, then why not Sambhal?’ and reiterated his government’s commitment to reviving Lord Kalki and Harihar Dham.

Targeting Congress and the Samajwadi Party, Yogi Adityanath said, ‘Remember the sins SP and Congress have committed with Sambhal. Congress orchestrated mass murders here, and as its disciple, SP worked to protect the murderers. If the truth of the massacres that occurred post-independence had been revealed, their vote bank would have been at risk.’

He further said, ‘We are here not for vote bank politics, but for the protection of heritage. Those who seek to tarnish India and its essence will be taught such a lesson that future generations will remember whom they have clashed with.’

The Chief Minister also accused previous governments of allowing riots, anarchy and exploitation, claiming that ‘daughters were unsafe, and traders faced constant threats’. He said that under the present government, ‘every resident of Uttar Pradesh is safe, not just the rioters. Mahakaal’s effect is now evident, as he is transforming their speed into misery’.

He warned that ‘those who sin against Sambhal will be punished for their sins. Those who obstruct the development of Sambhal will have to pay the price. Those who desecrate the holy places of Sanatan Dharma will have to pay the price’.

Listing his government’s achievements, Yogi Adityanath said that 8.5 lakh jobs had been provided in the last eight years, including 60,200 recent police recruitments. He criticised past administrations for nurturing a single mafia in each district, while highlighting the current government’s One District One Product scheme. He also pointed to initiatives such as housing, free rations, marriage grants for daughters, and healthcare facilities for the poor.

Referring to upcoming occasions including Raksha Bandhan, Kakori Train Action Memorial Day on August 9, Independence Day on August 15, and Shri Krishna Janmashtami on August 16, he urged people to hoist the tricolour in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call.

Praising the people of Sambhal for their resilience during riots, Yogi Adityanath assured that the double-engine government was committed to heritage preservation and development. He said the 222 projects worth INR 659 crore included facilities for education, vocational training, drinking water, roads, Anganwadi centres, and composite schools.

He also performed the Annaprashan Sanskar (first rice-eating ceremony) for newborn children, visited an exhibition at the venue, and laid the foundation stone for the District Magistrate Office and Integrated Residential Buildings in Sambhal. On the occasion, he also inspected archaeological objects discovered during excavations.

The Chief Minister planted saplings in Sambhal as part of environmental protection efforts, inaugurated the Sambhal Samvad App, and distributed cheques, house keys, and certificates to beneficiaries of various schemes.

(ANI)