Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday accused the opposition of being more concerned about its vote banks than the plight of Hindus in strife-torn Bangladesh, which recently saw its Prime Minister fleeing the country amid violent mass protests.
Adityanath made the remark during his address at a Sri Krishna Janmotsav here, an official statement issued from his Lucknow office said.
"While the opposition is quick to speak out on global issues, it has remained conspicuously silent about the persecution of Hindus and the demolition of temples in Bangladesh. They see Palestine but turn a blind eye to Bangladesh because its fears losing their vote bank," he said.
The CM during the event inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 178 development projects worth Rs 1,037 crore for the region.
He inaugurated the ropeway to the Radha Rani temple in Barsana, launched a cruise service on the Yamuna River, and opened the Panchjanya Auditorium.
Adityanath released a 'bhajan' album by the film actor Padmini Kolhapure and a 'Meera Granth,' complied by UP Braj Tirtha Vikas Parishad.
He is also the Mahant of Gorakhnath Math, urged the saints and spiritual leaders to come forward and reunite society with regard to the present scenario and warned any crack might destabilize not only Sanatan Dharma but the country.
"We must unite to expose and counter those divisive forces that seek to fracture the society for their petty interests," he said.
"For us, the nation is the first entity, and we are ready to sacrifice anything for its sake," he said.
He said thousands of Indian soldiers laid down their lives to liberate Bangladesh, which led to the surrender of 95,000 Pakistani soldiers in "the greatest military victory in world history." No country, religion or sect, he said, can claim a date of origin as ancient as Sanatan Dharma; it is much older than other religions, some of which are merely 1,400 or 3,000 years old.
"This is why we say that Sanatan Dharma is the only eternal religion on earth," he added.
He said that UP is now identified with its contribution towards India's growth, be it the "five-century wait" for the installation of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, rejuvenation of Kashi, and successful organisation of Vaishno Kumbh and Prayagraj Kumbh.
The ropeway inaugurated by the Chief Minister will improve accessibility to Ladli Kishori Radha Rani seated on Brahmachal mountain.
The project has been built on a Public-private Partnership model under the supervision of the Mathura-Vrindavan Development Authority, coming at a cost of Rs 15.89 crore in Barsana.
Earlier visitors had to climb 251 stairs to reach the temple dedicated to Radha Rani.
The ropeway will stretch up to 210 meters, having 12 trolleys with a seating capacity of six people each, the statement said.
