Yogi at Somnath Sankalp Mahotsav: Those who tried to erase Sanatan turned to dust
Synopsis
CM Yogi Adityanath used the Somnath Sankalp Mahotsav in Varanasi to deliver one of his sharpest cultural-nationalist addresses yet — invoking Aurangzeb, Ghori, and unnamed Opposition forces in the same breath, and declaring that every force that tried to erase Sanatan Dharma has itself been erased by history.
Key Takeaways
CM Yogi Adityanath addressed the Somnath Sankalp Mahotsav in Varanasi on 11 May 2025 .
He declared that all historical forces that tried to eradicate Sanatan Dharma — from Muhammad Ghori to Aurangzeb — have themselves been wiped out.
He praised PM Narendra Modi as the driving force behind India's cultural and spiritual resurgence under 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' .
Without naming anyone, he accused Opposition forces of obstructing the restoration of the Somnath Temple and construction of the Shri Ram Temple .
Yogi and Anandiben Patel offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple before the event.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday, 11 May delivered a fiery address at the Somnath Sankalp Mahotsav in Varanasi, celebrating India's civilisational resilience and taking a pointed swipe at unnamed Opposition forces, asserting that every historical attempt to eradicate Sanatan Dharma had ultimately destroyed its perpetrators. The event was held as part of the 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv' at the Tryambakeshwar Auditorium.
Key Remarks by CM Yogi
Addressing the gathering, Yogi Adityanath described the Mahotsav as a clarion call for the resurgence of India's spiritual tradition, cultural consciousness, and self-respect. He invoked a sweeping arc of history, stating that from Muhammad Ghori to the Mughal rulers, foreign invaders had repeatedly attempted to obliterate India's spiritual and cultural identity — yet none could extinguish what he called India's Sanatan consciousness.
He specifically cited Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, who demolished the ancient Baba Vishwanath temple and erected what the CM termed a structure of subjugation in its place. Despite that, Yogi argued, India's spirit remained unbroken.
Point of View
And its repetition at a high-profile cultural event signals it will remain central to the party's messaging in Uttar Pradesh.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Somnath Sankalp Mahotsav in Varanasi?
The Somnath Sankalp Mahotsav is a cultural and spiritual event held in Varanasi as part of the 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv', celebrating India's civilisational heritage and the resilience of Sanatan Dharma. The 11 May 2025 edition was addressed by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
What did CM Yogi Adityanath say about Sanatan Dharma?
Yogi Adityanath declared that Sanatan Dharma is not confined to temples but resides in India's very consciousness, and that every historical force — from Muhammad Ghori to Aurangzeb — that attempted to erase it has itself been destroyed. He framed contemporary temple restorations as part of this civilisational continuity.
Who did CM Yogi target in his Opposition remarks?
Without naming any party or leader, Yogi Adityanath accused certain forces of consistently obstructing the restoration of the Somnath Temple and the construction of the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The remarks were widely interpreted as directed at the Opposition.
What role did PM Modi play according to CM Yogi?
Yogi Adityanath described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the driving force behind India's cultural and spiritual resurgence, crediting him with advancing the vision of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'. He said the people of Uttar Pradesh are deeply grateful to the Prime Minister.
What happened at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple before the event?
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Anandiben Patel visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, where they offered prayers and performed darshan of Baba Vishwanath, praying for the happiness and prosperity of Uttar Pradesh.
