Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has once again made a strong statement on so-called “love jihad,” saying it is not just about relationships or marriage but part of a larger conspiracy to change the religious population balance.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of a nine-day Shri Ram Katha festival in Lucknow, the Chief Minister urged people to remain alert.
“This is not just a matter of relationships or marriage. It is a conspiracy to change religious demography,” Yogi Adityanath said, according to his remarks.
He also claimed that the Kerala High Court had expressed concern over the issue in 2009 and 2011, although he said it did not receive serious attention at the time.
CM Says Law Exists to Prevent Forced Conversions
Yogi Adityanath highlighted that his government introduced a strict anti-conversion law in Uttar Pradesh in 2020 to deal with what he described as forced religious conversions and “love jihad.”
“We must always remain alert,” he said during his speech, adding that those who follow Lord Ram’s ideals will be guided towards righteousness and well-being.
He also spoke about protecting Indian culture and Sanatan traditions, saying they must be preserved carefully.
Political Reaction From Akhilesh Yadav
The Chief Minister’s remarks drew criticism from opposition leader and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, who questioned the government’s approach and intent.
Akhilesh said that Sanatan Dharma teaches love, truth, and brotherhood, but according to him, the current government is not following those values.
Taking a dig at the Chief Minister, he said, “Our Chief Minister does not love people, he loves land,” referring to alleged land registration issues in Gorakhpur.
RSS Chief’s Earlier Remarks on the Issue
The debate over “love jihad” has also seen comments from Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat in the past.
Speaking at an event in Bhopal titled “Stree Shakti Samvad,” Bhagwat had said that such incidents should be prevented at the family level.
He stressed the importance of strong family values and social discipline in maintaining harmony in society.
Anti-Conversion Laws Under Supreme Court Review
Meanwhile, anti-conversion laws passed by Uttar Pradesh and several other states are currently being challenged in the Supreme Court.
These laws are in force in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Jharkhand, and Himachal Pradesh.
Petitions filed against them argue that the laws violate the constitutional right to personal liberty and go against the basic structure of the Constitution.
