New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has once again come under fire for his inflammatory rhetoric against Muslims, as his recent remarks in the state assembly have triggered widespread criticism. Known for his history of targeting Muslims and the Urdu language, Adityanath previously referred to Urdu readers as “Katt Mulla,” a term that was widely condemned. Despite the backlash, he has repeated similar rhetoric during the budget session in the Assembly on Tuesday.
While addressing the Legislative Council, Adityanath claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government does not want minority children to be restricted to traditional madrasas. He stated that instead of producing “Mullas and Maulvis,” the government aims to provide opportunities for Muslim students to become doctors, engineers, scientists, and writers. Defending his remarks, he cited former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam as an example and emphasized that modern education is essential for societal advancement.
Adityanath further asserted that free education is being provided in Uttar Pradesh’s schools as part of efforts to modernize them. He reiterated that the “culture of Katt Mulla will not be tolerated,” reinforcing the BJP’s push for modern and quality education without discrimination. According to him, students should not be confined solely to religious studies but should pursue modern education to contribute effectively to society.
Additionally, the Chief Minister took a swipe at the Samajwadi Party’s PDA (Pichda, Dalit, and Alpsankhyak) political strategy, dismissing it as mere political maneuvering.
It is important to note that this is not the first time Adityanath has made controversial statements against Muslims and Urdu. Previously, when the discussion of including Urdu in official proceedings emerged, he reacted strongly and used the derogatory term “Katt Mulla” to criticize Urdu speakers. His remarks faced strong condemnation, with critics highlighting the literary contributions of figures like Firaq Gorakhpuri and Munshi Premchand, proving that Urdu is a language of rich heritage beyond any specific community.
Despite mounting criticism, Yogi Adityanath remains unapologetic, continuing his divisive rhetoric and reinforcing an anti-Muslim and anti-Urdu stance through his public speeches. His repeated attacks on the Muslim community have sparked serious concerns regarding religious discrimination and the marginalization of minorities under the current administration.
