YOGI ADITYANATH FLAGS “POLITICAL ISLAM”, WARNS AGAINST HALAL CERTIFICATION

Gorakhpur, Oct 22, 2025: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, addressing a gathering in Gorakhpur to mark the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s centenary celebrations, warned that “political Islam” remains a significant threat aimed at changing India’s demography and destabilizing the nation. He stressed that while colonialism and foreign invasions are often discussed in history, the persistent threat of political Islam is rarely highlighted. “Our ancestors, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Guru Gobind Singh, Maharana Pratap, and Maharana Sanga, waged major battles against political Islam, yet this aspect of history is largely overlooked,” Adityanath said. The Chief Minister cited the case of Chhangur Baba in Balrampur district, a self-styled godman arrested in July for allegedly running an illegal religious conversion racket. He claimed that political Islam operates through such individuals to fragment the country. “Chhangur Baba was offering financial incentives to people undergoing religious conversions, often based on caste. The money fueling these conversions is coming from within the country,” Adityanath alleged. Highlighting his government’s strict stance on Halal certification, Adityanath urged citizens to check products before purchasing. “Products bearing Halal certification, ranging from soap and clothes to matchsticks, can indirectly fund terrorism, love jihad, and religious conversion. In Uttar Pradesh, we have banned Halal certification to prevent misuse of funds. People must remain vigilant,” he said. According to the CM, approximately Rs 25,000 crore had been collected under the guise of Halal certification without government approval, fueling unlawful activities. Adityanath also criticized opposition leaders, particularly Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, for comments questioning the necessity of Diwali celebrations. He accused Yadav of showing disrespect toward Hindu traditions and the Prajapati community, whose pottery is in demand during the festival. “It is said that one may inherit a throne but not the brain. Some people retain childishness throughout life. Such statements display disdain for Sanatan Dharma and the cultural heritage of our nation,” the CM remarked. He lauded the RSS for uniting society to counter such threats, stating that its efforts deserve recognition. “The organization is working to safeguard the country from hidden elements attempting to divide society under the pretext of religion. Vigilance at all levels is essential to maintain national unity,” Adityanath said. The Chief Minister’s remarks have sparked debate nationwide, raising concerns about religious freedoms, Halal practices, and communal harmony. While critics argue that targeting Halal certification and conversions may marginalize communities, Adityanath framed the campaign as a protective measure for society and a continuation of historical struggles against divisive forces. Officials confirmed that the state government will continue to monitor unregulated religious activities and Halal certification practices. Public awareness campaigns and stricter oversight mechanisms are being implemented to prevent misuse of funds and ensure that certification does not become a channel for funding illicit activities. Adityanath’s statements come amid broader political discourse over religious identity and governance in Uttar Pradesh, reflecting his administration’s focus on law, order, and cultural preservation. By linking historical narratives with contemporary policy actions, the Chief Minister emphasized vigilance against forces he considers a threat to the nation’s unity and security. This event has further intensified the dialogue around the intersection of faith, commerce, and politics in India, highlighting how state leadership is navigating issues of religious conversions, certification regulations, and community protection. YOGI ADITYANATH WARNS AGAINST “POLITICAL ISLAM” AND HALAL CERTIFICATION Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, speaking at RSS centenary celebrations in Gorakhpur, warned that “political Islam” threatens India’s unity and demographic balance. He cited the Chhangur Baba case, where a self-styled godman allegedly ran a conversion racket, claiming funds came from within the country. Adityanath urged citizens to check Halal-certified products, saying Rs 25,000 crore raised this way was misused for religious conversions and terrorism. Criticizing opposition leader Akhilesh Yadav for comments on Diwali, the CM praised the RSS for uniting society against such threats, stressing vigilance and public awareness to safeguard traditions and national security.