LUCKNOW, March 8 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that whether it was Akbar or Aurangzeb, their mindset towards Hindus was the same and Maharana Pratap, Veer Shivaji, and Guru Gobind Singh are the true heroes India and not Mughal rulers.
Addressing a public meeting after unveiling a statue of Maharana Pratap in Dadri, the CM paid tribute to Maharana Pratap’s unmatched dedication to self-respect, faith, and the nation, calling him a ‘true national hero’.
During the event, held at Maharana Pratap Stadium in the NTPC complex, he recounted the valiant legacy of Maharana Pratap in great detail. He also highlighted the bravery of Rana Sanga. He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 97 development projects worth Rs 1,467 crore for Gautam Buddh Nagar, further boosting the region’s progress.
Paying tribute to Maharana Pratap, Yogi highlighted his unwavering dedication to his motherland and faith. “Instead of surrendering for power, he chose self-respect,” he said, recalling that at just 28 years old, Maharana Pratap faced Akbar’s mighty empire in battle.
Referring to the Battle of Haldighati, he emphasised that a warrior who fought a massive army with just 20,000 soldiers is ‘our true hero’. “Haldighati made Maharana Pratap a national icon. He not only reclaimed Mewar’s lost territories but also forced Akbar to retreat,” he said.
He also praised Chetak, Maharana Pratap’s loyal horse, calling its devotion legendary. “Even today, the soil of Haldighati is revered as a sacred site, symbolizing India’s great heritage,” he said.
The CM said, “Akbar can never be a hero. Whether it was Akbar or Aurangzeb, their mindset towards Hindus was the same and they conspired against India’s eternal traditions. In contrast, Maharana Pratap sacrificed everything to protect Sanatan culture.”
He also honoured Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Guru Gobind Singh, calling them true national icons. “Those who do not respect these great leaders suffer from a distorted mindset and need correction,” he said.
He urged the younger generation to draw inspiration from these warriors. “Maharana Pratap’s life teaches us never to compromise on self-respect and faith. This is why the entire nation still remembers him,” he said.
Yogi spoke about the recently concluded Maha Kumbh and the ongoing Holi celebrations in Braj. He said that between January 13 and February 26, a record-breaking 66.3 crore devotees participated in the Maha Kumbh without any untoward incidents, calling it a testament to both India’s culture and security.
Discussing the Rangotsav of Braj, he said that foreigners are amazed to see the spirit of unity in India, where people of all backgrounds celebrate Holi together without discrimination.
He also praised PM Narendra Modi’s vision, emphasising that faith is now creating new opportunities for livelihoods and India’s rich cultural heritage is becoming a foundation for prosperity.
The CM criticised those who spread misinformation about Mahakumbh. “The more attempts were made to create doubts, the stronger the faith of Sanatan followers, as they arrived in even greater numbers to take a holy dip at Sangam in Prayagraj,” he said.
Referring to claims about Ganga water being polluted, he countered, “Flowing water and a wandering saint are never impure. Every Sanatani sees the Triveni’s sacred waters as a symbol of faith.”
Taking a swipe at those ignorant of India’s history and traditions, Yogi said, “Those who fail to understand India’s great river culture remain narrow-minded and unfortunately, such people still exist in our country.”
He made several major announcements for Gautam Buddh Nagar, including setting up of a government degree college, a 100-bed hospital, an ITI and a stadium. He approved raising the circle rate for farmers and the construction of a bypass.
Emphasising the need for modern skill development, the CM directed the Chief Secretary to set up an ITI focusing on AI, drone technology, and other advanced fields. He highlighted the region’s rapid progress and said that India’s largest airport in Jewar is nearing completion and work on the Film City is in full swing.
On International Women’s Day, he extended his best wishes to the women of UP, reaffirming his commitment to women’s safety and empowerment. “A self-reliant women workforce will drive UP to become the growth engine of a developed India,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Yogi inaugurated several major projects in Gautam Buddh Nagar, including a Data Center, Microsoft Research and Development Centre, AI Centre, and Sharda Group’s Multi-Super Specialty Hospital.
Stressing the importance of data in today’s world, he said, “Data is everything, and global competition revolves around it.”
Discussing the state’s new industrial policy, he highlighted a shift in approach. “Earlier, investors focused only on funding. Now, we tell them to give jobs to our youth, and we will provide you with incentives,” he said.
(UNI)
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