Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday delivered a forceful critique of the Mughal period, accusing the emperors — particularly Aurangzeb — of attempting to “Islamise the entire country” and dismantle markers of Hindu religious identity. His remarks linked historical events to contemporary narratives of cultural resurgence, reflecting ongoing national debates over the interpretation of India’s past.
Addressing a public gathering, Adityanath alleged that Mughal rule was characterised by systematic efforts to suppress Hindu practices such as the tilak and the janeu. He claimed that Aurangzeb escalated religious persecution, including in regions like Kashmir, where he said oppressive measures were intensified. Against this backdrop, Adityanath invoked the legacy of Guru Tegh Bahadur, calling him a spiritual and moral defender who stood firm against forced conversions and state brutality.
The Chief Minister recalled in detail the torture inflicted upon Guru Tegh Bahadur’s companions — Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das and Bhai Dayala — describing the extreme methods of execution they faced yet highlighting their unwavering resolve. He said their sacrifices symbolised resistance to tyranny and constituted a defining moment of courage in India’s civilisational history.
Adityanath framed the day as one of collective inspiration, asserting that Aurangzeb had “become a cruel king” determined to eliminate Hindu identity markers, while the Sikh Guru and his followers embodied the will to resist such oppression. He cast the present moment as a continuation of that cultural struggle, emphasising the symbolism of the saffron flag and the sacrifices made to uphold dharma.
Arriving at the event from Ayodhya, Adityanath described it as his “good fortune” to participate in what he called a moment of renewed cultural assertion. He said the “saffron flag of Sanatan has risen today,” linking the historical sacrifices of the Sikh community with the broader theme of religious and cultural pride in contemporary India.
