Lucknow: Insisting that social unity was essential to safeguard the nation, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that caste-based divisive politics must be avoided to prevent a rerun of the past.He was addressing the Jauhar Shraddhanjali Samaroh in Rajasthan. Yogi said those with no constructive work were trying to weaken society by promoting casteism. He said caste-based politics damages the foundations of both society and the nation, and cautioned that such divisive tendencies could once again push the country onto a path of decline if society did not oppose the opposition parties.Yogi said people who earlier denied the existence of Ram and Krishna, opposed the Ram temple movement, and attempted to delay the judicial process related to the temple dispute were responsible for dividing society.During his speech, Yogi paid tribute to the legacy of Mewar, praising the courage of its warriors, the sacrifice of women through Jauhar, and the devotion of Meerabai. He said these stories continue to inspire the country, while describing Chittorgarh Fort as more than a stone structure.He also remembered several historical figures, including Maharana Pratap, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and Guru Gobind Singh, saying their struggles were not for personal gain or dynastic power, but for the nation, faith, and freedom. Referring to Guru Gobind Singh, he said even the martyrdom of his four sons did not shake his resolve.Adityanath invoked Maharana Sanga and Maharana Pratap as symbols of resistance and sacrifice. He said Maharana Sanga bore 80 wounds on his body, yet remained focused on protecting the honour of the nation. He added that Maharana Pratap, at the age of 27, fought Akbar and posed a formidable challenge to the Mughal Emperor, ensuring his bravery remained etched in Indian history.The UP CM also highlighted his govt’s record on law and order, saying a zero-tolerance policy towards crime and threats to women’s dignity improved safety in the state. He said girls were now able to attend school without fear, and women could work night shifts and return home safely.Referring to Ayodhya, Adityanath said Lord Ram became revered because he resolved to rid the earth of evil. He said the grand Ram Temple was now built and that no symbol of slavery remained there. He added that such achievements were possible only when the nation moved forward in unity and remained vigilant against divisive politics.He also stressed the need to strengthen Gram Panchayats, village assemblies, and towns to build a self-reliant and developed India.
