On Wednesday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that Sambhal has deep historical roots, mentioning that it is referenced in the Puranas, a Hindu religious text written around 5,000 years ago. In contrast, he pointed out that Islam emerged approximately 1,400 years ago. He made these remarks while speaking at a conclave hosted by a private media organisation in Lucknow.

“Sambhal finds mention in our Puranas written some 5000 years to 3500 years ago and mentions it as the place where Bhagwan Vishnu’s tenth incarnation will appear… Before Islam came, the Puranas mentioned the avatar of Shri Hari. In 1526, the temple of Shri Hari was demolished by Mughal commander Mir Baqi and in 1528 Ram Temple in Ayodhya,” Adityanath stated. “Glorification of foreign invaders should be stopped, else when the truth like Sambhal will come out, they won’t be able to show their faces anywhere,” he continued.

“Sambhal is the truth. I am a Yogi, and I respect every sect and religion... But it is not acceptable if someone forcibly occupies a place and destroys someone’s faith... There were 68 pilgrimage places (teerths) in Sambhal, and we have only been able to find 18 till now... In Sambhal, Jalabhishek was performed after 56 years at a Shiva temple,” Yogi Adityanath added. “ I have papers, and I am showing them. They can first read the Puranas and then come to me for Shashtrarth (intellectual debate),” the chief minister Yogi Adityanath further said.

In response to a query on the recently concluded Mahakumbh-2025, he said,  “See, in this (state) budget, we have given money for Mathura and Vrindavan. Our work is moving ahead and will be done. When you get the opportunity, don’t just miss it.” Yogi condemned those who praised Aurangzeb, describing it as “mental distortion.”

Referring to Shah Jahan’s writings, he reminded everyone that Aurangzeb had imprisoned his father, deprived him of water, and killed his brother. “Those who like Aurangzeb should name their children after him and be ready to suffer his kind of cruelty,” he stated.

He stated that praising Aurangzeb was an insult to India’s true heroes. While discussing Mahakumbh 2025, the chief minister claimed that ancient sites in Prayagraj had previously been encroached upon through ‘land jihad.’ He further alleged that past governments allowed land mafias to illegally seize historic sites in Prayagraj, including Akshay Vat, Mata Saraswati Koop, Patalpuri, Shringverpur, Dwadash Madhav and Bhagwan Beni Madhav.

“This severely affected the heritage and significance of these sacred places,” he said. “During the Mahakumbh, these sites were freed from land mafias, paving the way for their revitalisation. As a result, devotees can now visit them throughout the year,” he continued. “Shringverpur, the site of friendship between Bhagwan Ram and Nishadraj, was also encroached upon under land jihad, and Dwadash Madhav and Nagvasuki temples fell victim to illegal occupation. During the Mahakumbh, our government built new corridors and freed these sites, which is a symbol of gratitude towards India’s ancient traditions,” he further said.

He stated that the Mahakumbh showcased India’s strength and the true spirit of Sanatan Dharma while also transforming Uttar Pradesh’s negative image. He said, “Through Mahakumbh, we successfully achieved both objectives.” Slamming the opposition, the chief minister said, “Expecting positivity from those with a negative mindset is pointless.”

He recalled the tragic 1954 Kumbh incident, which claimed over 1,000 lives, the devastating 2007 disaster that led to heavy loss of life and property, and the 2013 event when the then Prime Minister of Mauritius was moved to tears upon seeing the filth at the Sangam. Adityanath highlighted that special arrangements were made so no devotee could walk more than three to five kilometres. While the initial estimate for visitors was 40 crore, the turnout surpassed 66.30 crore (663 million). On Paush Purnima (January 13), the first day of the Mahakumbh, 1.5 crore (15 million) devotees took a holy dip. This number rose to 3.5 crores (35 million) on Makar Sankranti (January 14) and peaked at 15 crores (150 million) on Mauni Amavasya (January 29) during the sacred bathing rituals.

“Learn from Indonesia, that has a Muslim majority, but their national festival is Ramleela, the currency carries Bhagwan Ganesha, and airlines carries the name Garuda. Even their president had mentioned having Indian DNA. Those who glorify foreign invaders should get their DNA checked,” the chief minister expressed.

Highlighting that Sanatan Dharma values all religions, Adityanath feels proud wearing his saffron attire, “This is my identity. One day, the whole world will wear it.”