Those Who Disrespect Other Religions Cannot Be True Sanatanis: Akhilesh Yadav

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday criticised the demolition of a mosque in Saharanpur, saying those who disrespect other religions or hurt the faith of others cannot be considered true Sanatanis.

The remarks came after the Uttar Pradesh administration demolished a mosque located within the Collectorate complex in Saharanpur following the rejection of an appeal by the Muslim side.

‘A True Hindu Will Never Insult Another Religion’

Speaking to reporters, Yadav said Sanatan Dharma teaches respect for other faiths and invoked the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

“Those who do not respect other religions can never be true Sanatanis. They cannot be Sanatanis if they hurt the faith of others,” he said.

“A true Hindu will never insult people of another religion. This is what we have learned from Sanatan Dharma. The concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ teaches us that the entire world is one family,” he added.

Yadav also alleged that the demolition was being given a communal colour and linked the controversy to alleged irregularities involving funds meant for the construction of the Ram Temple.

Yadav Accuses UP Government Of Directing Action

The SP chief alleged that officials carried out the demolition on the directions of the Uttar Pradesh government.

“These officers acted on the directions of the government as they feared that the other side would get justice,” he said.

Yadav's remarks came amid political reactions to the administration's action against the mosque, which authorities had described as illegal.

Targets Government Over Gomti River Project

Yadav also criticised the Uttar Pradesh government's proposed initiative to clean the Gomti River, alleging that public money was being misused.

“They are not cleaning the river; they are cleaning the budget,” he said.

He also questioned expenditure on infrastructure projects, including the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway, and alleged financial irregularities.

Raises Questions Over Expressway Spending

Yadav claimed that more than ₹4,000 crore had been spent on the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway and questioned the manner in which the money was being used.

He also referred to the Ganga Expressway and Gorakhpur Link Expressway while alleging that corruption was taking place in infrastructure projects.

“Is it not visible how much looting is taking place? Was there no looting in the Ganga Expressway or the Gorakhpur Link Expressway?” he asked.

The allegations made by Yadav concern the Uttar Pradesh government's spending and administrative actions, and were not independently established in the remarks cited above.