A file image of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Photo Credit: X/@swatantrabjp via PTI

Describing those who glorify foreign invaders as “traitors”, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday (March 20, 2025) said that honouring an invader means strengthening the foundation of treason. Mr. Adityanath made the statement in Bahraich while inaugurating buildings in the Motipur village in Tehsil Mihinpurwa.

“Today, as the world praises India’s Sanatana culture and traditions, it is the duty of every Indian to show respect and reverence for the great men of the country. In such times, no invader should be glorified. To do so is to lay the foundation of treason, which independent India cannot tolerate,” the U.P. CM said.

He added the “New India” will not accept those who insult India’s great men, support invaders who trampled Sanatana culture, dishonoured her daughters, and attacked its faith. Pointing towards Bahraich’s historic connection with India’s glorious past and sagacious traditions, Mr. Adityanath said, “It is believed that Maharishi Balark’s world-famous ashram was located in Bahraich, and the district derives its name from him. It is the same place where Suhaldev hoisted India’s victory flag by defeating a foreign invader.”

Targeting previous governments, the U.P. CM said that before 2017 nobody was willing to set up industries in the State due to its poor law and order situation. “In the last seven years, U.P. become a major economic destination,” he added. Mr. Adityanath said that during the previous regime only announcements were made, leaving real work undone.

The U.P. CM said under the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) double-engine government, the State witnessed rapid growth. “Previously you used to listen about riots, tension, conflict, and the forceful grabbing of poor people’s land by powerful individuals. Now, U.P. has transformed into a State of unending potential with rapid growth and prosperity,” he said.