In a recent speech at a rally in Palghar, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stirred controversy with his remarks targeting the Muslim community.
Adityanath boldly claimed that the Adhaan (call to prayer) would vanish from mosques within the next five years, citing a perceived decline in public prayer on the streets of Uttar Pradesh and the removal of loudspeakers from mosques. These statements have been met with criticism for their divisive and anti-minority nature. Adityanath further accused opposition leaders of reciting Quranic verses at the graves of criminals, adding fuel to the already tense political climate ahead of the 2024 general elections.
This rhetoric is part of a larger trend of anti-Muslim sentiment within the ruling party, exemplified by Prime Minister Modi’s recent controversial remarks referring to Muslims as infiltrators and using a derogatory term. Such inflammatory language has raised concerns about the impact on communal relations and the need for leaders to promote unity and respect among all communities.