Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday defended his government’s recent ban on Halal certification, claiming that the funds generated through such labels were being “misused for terrorism, love jihad, and religious conversions.” Speaking at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) centenary celebrations, Adityanath said the move was intended to stop financial networks operating without state oversight and to protect national security.
“When purchasing any item, check if it has a Halal certification label. We have banned it in UP. Today, no one in Uttar Pradesh will dare to buy or sell it,” Yogi said. He further alleged, “When we initiated the proceedings, ₹25,000 crore was being earned through Halal certification in India, and no agency of the central or state government had recognised it. All this money is misused for terrorism, love jihad, and religious conversions.”
Adityanath added that the ban was part of a larger effort to ensure transparency in trade and certification. “Strict action must be taken against those who exploit Indian consumers in the name of Halal certification,” he said, adding that a man named Jalaluddin, also known as Changur Baba, was recently arrested in Balrampur as part of the crackdown. “Why is there no discussion about political Islam? Our ancestors also fought against political Islam,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister also spoke about his decision to discontinue the traditional Eid Milan gatherings at the Chief Minister’s residence, saying it was done to maintain secular governance. “When I became CM, there was a system that Eid Milan programs were held at the CM residence and the Raj Bhavan; there were no Holi Milan or Diwali Milan programs. We decided that if we have given a secular status to our traditions, then the CM residence and the Raj Bhavan should follow it and not organise such events. Anyone else can organise these programs on their own,” he said.
Yogi stressed that his government treats all festivals equally. “Our festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm here. Every month, we celebrate a festival rooted in tradition and history. Our sages gave them a cultural and religious form so that any person from any caste, community, or class can celebrate them,” he said.
He also praised the RSS for its contributions to society, calling it India’s “good fortune” to have such an organisation. “The RSS has done better work in Naxalite areas within the country than any other government. The whole world is watching as an RSS volunteer leads India as the Prime Minister,” he said.
Highlighting his government’s commitment to Hindutva and development, the Chief Minister referred to the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya as the outcome of decades of struggle. “Five to seven years ago, people from the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and those associated with the INDI alliance used to ask, ‘Will you be able to build the Ram Temple in Ayodhya?’ We used to say it would definitely be built. They were imprisoned, lathi-charged, and shot at. The result is before us: the temple of Lord Ram in Ayodhya,” he said.
