'New India' won't accept colonial mindset, learn to respect India's traditions: UP CM Adityanath

Sambhal (UP), Jul 18 (PTI) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Saturday that "New India" would neither live with nor accept a "colonial mindset," asserting that those living in the country must respect India's traditions and culture. Addressing a public event in western Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district after inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for development projects worth around Rs 550 crore, Adityanath said, "Those who belong to India must rise above caste, creed and religion. The New India will neither live with nor accept a colonial mindset. If you want to live in India, learn to respect India's traditions and culture." He said those who tamper with the country's faith and heritage will pay the price, and the Bharatiya Janata Party government will never accept such actions. Referring to Sambhal's historical and religious significance, the chief minister said the district was the "sacred land of Lord Vishnu" and alleged that invaders not only looted wealth but also attacked India's religion and culture. "The sins committed 500 years ago forced some people to leave their homes, many were killed, and pilgrimage sites were desecrated," he said. Claiming that the BJP government was restoring the region's heritage, Adityanath said work had begun to revive ancient pilgrimage sites and that funds had been sanctioned for the 24-Kosi Parikrama. "No one will now be able to tamper with this heritage. We have sanctioned funds and taken forward the work related to the 24-Kosi Parikrama," he said. The chief minister said the government will establish a Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) battalion and an integrated city headquarters in Sambhal, in addition to improving road connectivity, including links with the Ganga Expressway. Targeting previous governments, Adityanath alleged that the Congress and the Samajwadi Party had ignored the poor and allowed corruption to flourish. He said the BJP governments ensured that welfare benefits reached beneficiaries directly without discrimination. "Has anyone ever been denied the benefits of government schemes because they did not vote for the BJP? Never. Everyone has received them because our mantra is 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'," he said. The chief minister claimed that law and order had improved significantly in Uttar Pradesh. "Today, there is no curfew, no riots. Criminals know they will have to pay a heavy price if they indulge in violence," he said. Reiterating the BJP government's crackdown on organised crime, Adityanath said, "We said we would wipe out the mafia, and the mafia have been wiped out. Now the process of development is moving ahead rapidly." PTI CDN ASD ASD