Is the Politics of Division Driving CM Yogi's Renaming of Mustafabad to Kabirdham?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Samajwadi Party criticizes Yogi Adityanath's renaming decision.
- The move is seen as a tactic of divisive politics.
- Concerns over governance and public welfare are raised.
- The renaming has triggered political controversy in Uttar Pradesh.
- Opposition accuses the BJP of distracting from governance issues.
New Delhi, Oct 27 (NationPress) The Samajwadi Party (SP) has fiercely criticized Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath following his decision to rename Mustafabad to Kabirdham. The party accused the BJP government of prioritizing divisive politics over essential governance and public welfare.
SP spokesperson Fakhrul Hasan Chaand stated, “The Bharatiya Janata Party continues its trend of name changes, but the Samajwadi Party believes that the PDA (Backward, Dalit, Minority) will soon bring about a change in government. This administration has utterly failed regarding law and order. It cannot provide fertilizers for farmers nor ensure safety for the people. Women feel unsafe, and the government resorts to force against farmers and youth.”
In response to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s comments about “previous funds being used for graveyard boundaries,” Hasan countered, “Under the Samajwadi Party government, we developed both cremation grounds and graveyards, allocating funds fairly. However, the BJP opts for divisive and hate-motivated politics. They speak without substantiation. The Samajwadi Party is confident that the populace will soon replace a government that spreads hatred. The BJP engages in politics surrounding religion, Hindu-Muslim issues, and temple-mosque debates.”
Earlier, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declared that Mustafabad, located in Lakhimpur Kheri district, will be officially renamed Kabirdham. This announcement occurred during his visit to the Kabirdham Ashram in Mustafabad, as he attended the three-day Prakatotsav program of Sant Asang Dev Maharaj.
While addressing a large audience, the Chief Minister noted that since 2014, funds have been dedicated to developing all religious sites, contrasting with previous allocations that mainly targeted graveyard constructions. “Funds have been allocated for development across various locations, including Kashi, Ayodhya, Kushinagar, Naimisharanya, Shuktirth, Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Gokul, Baldev, and Govardhan. Previously, such funds were misused for building boundaries around kabristans,” Yogi stated.
He continued, “Upon my arrival, I learned this village is named Mustafabad. I inquired about the Muslim population and found there were none. Despite this, the name persisted. Hence, I proposed it be renamed Kabirdham.”
This renaming initiative has ignited renewed political debates in Uttar Pradesh, with the opposition accusing the BJP of utilizing religious sentiments to distract from governance shortcomings.