<p>It has barely been a fortnight for the new administration of Hindu hardliner Yogi Adityanath in India&#39;s bellwether state&nbsp;but the state machinery is in full swing to arrest people making defamatory attacks against the state&#39;s new chief minister on social media.</p>

<p>Shahzad Akram is the second person in as many days to be arrested for putting up a Facebook post against Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, the New Indian Express reported.</p>

<p>Akram was arrested for promoting enmity between groups and for making intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of police, according to the charges filed by the police in Sambhal, a town in India&#39;s northern state.</p>

<p>On Friday, a 24-year-old named Rahat Khan was detained for posting an obscene picture of the new chief minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Adityanath&#39;s appointment as the chief minister of India&#39;s largest and most populous state has vexed the moderates in India. They fear his elevation might foment trouble on religious lines in north India.</p>

<p>The five-time lawmaker has always been in the news for making divisive speeches, often targeting Muslims. The controversial priest-politician has often stoked communal tension in the country, and also made inflammatory statements during his election campaign in the state.</p>

<p>The New York Times, in an opinion piece, voiced similar concerns by dubbing him as a &quot;firebrand Hindu cleric&quot; and called his appointment to the state&#39;s top post as a &quot;shocking rebuke to religious minorities&quot; -- an editorial piece that was rebuked by the Indian government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports of people being put behind bars for posting seemingly questionable statements against politicians on social media is not unprecedented in India, but the arrests of two Muslims has given the moderates in the country another reason to worry about the fledgling government.</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


Shahzad Akram is the second person after Rahat Khan to have been arrested for putting up 'objectionable' post on Facebook

It has barely been a fortnight for the new administration of Hindu hardliner Yogi Adityanath in India's bellwether state but the state machinery is in full swing to arrest people making defamatory attacks against the state's new chief minister on social media. Shahzad Akram is the second person in as many days to be arrested for putting up a Facebook post against Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, the New Indian Express reported. Akram was arrested for promoting enmity between groups and for making intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of police, according to the charges filed by the police in Sambhal, a town in India's northern state. On Friday, a 24-year-old named Rahat Khan was detained for posting an obscene picture of the new chief minister. Adityanath's appointment as the chief minister of India's largest and most populous state has vexed the moderates in India. They fear his elevation might foment trouble on religious lines in north India. The five-time lawmaker has always been in the news for making divisive speeches, often targeting Muslims. The controversial priest-politician has often stoked communal tension in the country, and also made inflammatory statements during his election campaign in the state. The New York Times, in an opinion piece, voiced similar concerns by dubbing him as a "firebrand Hindu cleric" and called his appointment to the state's top post as a "shocking rebuke to religious minorities" -- an editorial piece that was rebuked by the Indian government. Reports of people being put behind bars for posting seemingly questionable statements against politicians on social media is not unprecedented in India, but the arrests of two Muslims has given the moderates in the country another reason to worry about the fledgling government. (WION)

Another man arrested for posting 'insulting' statement against UP CM Adityanath

<p>Yogi Adityanath, who visited visited his constituency Gorakhpur for the first time since&nbsp;becoming the Uttar Pradesh chief minister Saturday, said there would be no discrimination on the lines of caste, religion or gender in the state.</p>

<p>The firebrand right-wing five-time legislator from Gorakhpur, who has a history of agitation against minority Muslims, has had political observers worried ever since he took charge of India&#39;s most politically-crucial state.</p>

<p>&quot;There will be no discrimination in name of caste, religion and sex. There will be overall development,&quot; Adityanath said in his address at the Maharana Pratap Inter College here.</p>

<p>Adityanath also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that the former had&nbsp;entrusted him with the responsibility of&nbsp;making&nbsp;the dreams of the state come true.</p>

<p>&quot;Prime Minister Modi`s development programmes are being made available to all the citizens. He had laid foundation for a fertilizer company and AIIMS hospital. Now we are confident that<br />
the population of the state will not feel left out. He wants that every citizen must get benefit from the schemes of the government,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>Highlighting the loopholes of the previous government, Adityanath said Prime Minister Modi was worried as how to fix things and bring development in the state.</p>

<p>&quot;Brain drain was a problem. Businessmen were moving out, youngsters didn`t see hope. Women, anganwadi workers continue to protest, and no heed was paid to the plight of workers and government employees,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>Adityanath further vowed to turn Uttar Pradesh as developed state, saying that they would dedicate themselves to the service of the state.&quot;We will fulfil all our promises. Uttar Pradesh will be turned into a developed state. We need your support to make that happen,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>Vowing to curb corruption in the state, Adityanath said they will show as how the government works and performs.Slamming the hooliganism prevailing in the state, Adityanath said,&quot; Gorakhpur has been a laboratory for all such criminal activities. People would get scared if you told them you were from Gorakhpur. But now safety will be guaranteed. We want your support. Your support will be my strength to ensure law and order and safety here,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>The chief minister also clarified that the anti-romeo squads must not trouble youngsters unnecessarily, adding that stern actions would be taken against the eve-teasers.<br />
<br />
&quot;We have formed anti-romeo squads and now eve-teasers will be dealt with. But girls and boys on moving around or sitting at any place should not be troubled if it is with their consent,&quot; Adityanath said in his address.</p>

<p>Adityanath, who is on a two-day tour to Gorakhpur has visited the city for the first time after taking charge as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister.</p>

<p>The former priest also visited the city&#39;s temples including the famous Goraknath Math.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="in"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash">#WATCH</a> Live from Gorakhpur (UP): UP CM Yogi Adityanath visits Gorakhnath Math <a href="https://t.co/8CJiTGThR6">https://t.co/8CJiTGThR6</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/845629299969277953">March 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The entire city has been covered with billboards and banners for his welcome, while the local administration has provided adequate security.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="in">UP CM Yogi Adityanath&#39;s address at Gorakhpur&#39;s Maharana Pratap Inter College <a href="https://t.co/k6nJejaWkm">pic.twitter.com/k6nJejaWkm</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/845617696708476929">March 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Na jaati, na mazhab, na ling ke naam par koi bhedbhaav hoga. Vikaas sabka hoga. Kisi ka tushtikaran nhi hoga: UP CM Yogi Adityanath <a href="https://t.co/WtpKeVibdt">pic.twitter.com/WtpKeVibdt</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/845619205118611456">March 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash">#WATCH</a> Live from Gorakhpur (UP) : Welcome ceremony of Yogi Adityanath on his first visit to Gorakhpur as CM <a href="https://t.co/tTLENhrhMo">https://t.co/tTLENhrhMo</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/845609741766221826">March 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Friday, Adityanath visited a&nbsp;Dalit gang-rape and acid attack survivor who was forced to drink acid by two men on board a train. He also gave a cheque of Rs&nbsp;one lakh as compensation to the victim&#39;s husband and directed the police officials to immediately nab the accused and initiate strict action against the guilty.The woman is undergoing treatment in Lucknow&#39;s King George&#39;s Medical University hospital.</p>

<p>Earlier in the week, he launched &#39;Anti-Romeo&#39; squads contain sexual assaults and harassments in public areas, ordered to shut down of illegal slaughter houses and banned the use of pan masala and tobacco in the government premises in the state.</p>

<p>(ANI)</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Uttar Pradesh chief minister visited his constituency Gorakhpur for the first time after his victory in the state assembly polls

Yogi Adityanath, who visited visited his constituency Gorakhpur for the first time since becoming the Uttar Pradesh chief minister Saturday, said there would be no discrimination on the lines of caste, religion or gender in the state. The firebrand right-wing five-time legislator from Gorakhpur, who has a history of agitation against minority Muslims, has had political observers worried ever since he took charge of India's most politically-crucial state. "There will be no discrimination in name of caste, religion and sex. There will be overall development," Adityanath said in his address at the Maharana Pratap Inter College here. Adityanath also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that the former had entrusted him with the responsibility of making the dreams of the state come true. "Prime Minister Modi`s development programmes are being made available to all the citizens. He had laid foundation for a fertilizer company and AIIMS hospital. Now we are confident that the population of the state will not feel left out. He wants that every citizen must get benefit from the schemes of the government," he added. Highlighting the loopholes of the previous government, Adityanath said Prime Minister Modi was worried as how to fix things and bring development in the state. "Brain drain was a problem. Businessmen were moving out, youngsters didn`t see hope. Women, anganwadi workers continue to protest, and no heed was paid to the plight of workers and government employees," he added. Adityanath further vowed to turn Uttar Pradesh as developed state, saying that they would dedicate themselves to the service of the state."We will fulfil all our promises. Uttar Pradesh will be turned into a developed state. We need your support to make that happen," he added. Vowing to curb corruption in the state, Adityanath said they will show as how the government works and performs.Slamming the hooliganism prevailing in the state, Adityanath said," Gorakhpur has been a laboratory for all such criminal activities. People would get scared if you told them you were from Gorakhpur. But now safety will be guaranteed. We want your support. Your support will be my strength to ensure law and order and safety here," he added. The chief minister also clarified that the anti-romeo squads must not trouble youngsters unnecessarily, adding that stern actions would be taken against the eve-teasers. "We have formed anti-romeo squads and now eve-teasers will be dealt with. But girls and boys on moving around or sitting at any place should not be troubled if it is with their consent," Adityanath said in his address. Adityanath, who is on a two-day tour to Gorakhpur has visited the city for the first time after taking charge as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister. The former priest also visited the city's temples including the famous Goraknath Math. #WATCH Live from Gorakhpur (UP): UP CM Yogi Adityanath visits Gorakhnath Math https://t.co/8CJiTGThR6 — ANI (@ANI_news) March 25, 2017 × The entire city has been covered with billboards and banners for his welcome, while the local administration has provided adequate security. UP CM Yogi Adityanath's address at Gorakhpur's Maharana Pratap Inter College pic.twitter.com/k6nJejaWkm — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 25, 2017 × Na jaati, na mazhab, na ling ke naam par koi bhedbhaav hoga. Vikaas sabka hoga. Kisi ka tushtikaran nhi hoga: UP CM Yogi Adityanath pic.twitter.com/WtpKeVibdt — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 25, 2017 × #WATCH Live from Gorakhpur (UP) : Welcome ceremony of Yogi Adityanath on his first visit to Gorakhpur as CM https://t.co/tTLENhrhMo — ANI (@ANI_news) March 25, 2017 × On Friday, Adityanath visited a Dalit gang-rape and acid attack survivor who was forced to drink acid by two men on board a train. He also gave a cheque of Rs one lakh as compensation to the victim's husband and directed the police officials to immediately nab the accused and initiate strict action against the guilty.The woman is undergoing treatment in Lucknow's King George's Medical University hospital. Earlier in the week, he launched 'Anti-Romeo' squads contain sexual assaults and harassments in public areas, ordered to shut down of illegal slaughter houses and banned the use of pan masala and tobacco in the government premises in the state. (ANI)

There will be no religious discrimination, assures Yogi Adityanath in Gorakhpur

<p>Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav Saturday&nbsp;accused the Adityanath Yogi government of targeting police officials of a &quot;particular caste&quot;, after IPS officer Himanshu Kumar was suspended for &quot;indiscipline&quot;.</p>

<p>Himanshu Kumar was recently in news for his controversial tweets accusing senior police officers of targeting subordinates of a particular caste.</p>

<p>&quot;Only policemen of one particular caste are being suspended and transferred and everybody knows about it,&quot; said Akhilesh, whose party had all along been accused by political opponents of working in the interest of a particular caste.</p>

<p>The Samajwadi Party chief was interacting with mediapersons ahead of a national executive meet.</p>

<p>Earlier, a Home Department spokesman said, &quot;IPS officer of the 2010 batch, Himanshu Kumar has been suspended for indiscipline.&quot;</p>

<p>Though Himanshu Kumar&#39;s tweet of March 22, that stirred a controversy in Uttar Pradesh, has since been deleted, its screen shot is still doing the rounds.</p>

<p>The deleted tweet said, &quot;There is now a rush among senior officers to suspend/send to reserve lines all police personnel who have &#39;Yadav&#39; surname.&quot;</p>

<p>In another tweet, Kumar said, &quot;Why is the DGP office forcing officers to punish people in the name of caste?&quot;</p>

<p>Later, Kumar put out another tweet saying, &quot;Some people have misunderstood my tweet. I support the initiative of the government.&quot;</p>

<p>Kumar was attached with the Director General of Police&#39;s (DGP) office in Lucknow. He had been shifted to DGP&#39;s office by the Election Commission.</p>

<p>He was earlier posted as a Superintendent of Police in Manipuri and Firozabad, the region regarded as SP bastion.<br />
<br />
After his suspension, Kumar tweeted, &quot;Truth alone triumphs.&quot;</p>

<p>The IPS officer was in the news last July for filing a case against his estranged wife, Priya Singh, in Noida. He had alleged that she had hacked his e-mail accounts to obtain bank statements and personal details.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
(PTI)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


IPS officer Himanshu Kumar had alleged that only policemen of a particular caste are being suspended and transferred

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav Saturday accused the Adityanath Yogi government of targeting police officials of a "particular caste", after IPS officer Himanshu Kumar was suspended for "indiscipline". Himanshu Kumar was recently in news for his controversial tweets accusing senior police officers of targeting subordinates of a particular caste. "Only policemen of one particular caste are being suspended and transferred and everybody knows about it," said Akhilesh, whose party had all along been accused by political opponents of working in the interest of a particular caste. The Samajwadi Party chief was interacting with mediapersons ahead of a national executive meet. Earlier, a Home Department spokesman said, "IPS officer of the 2010 batch, Himanshu Kumar has been suspended for indiscipline." Though Himanshu Kumar's tweet of March 22, that stirred a controversy in Uttar Pradesh, has since been deleted, its screen shot is still doing the rounds. The deleted tweet said, "There is now a rush among senior officers to suspend/send to reserve lines all police personnel who have 'Yadav' surname." In another tweet, Kumar said, "Why is the DGP office forcing officers to punish people in the name of caste?" Later, Kumar put out another tweet saying, "Some people have misunderstood my tweet. I support the initiative of the government." Kumar was attached with the Director General of Police's (DGP) office in Lucknow. He had been shifted to DGP's office by the Election Commission. He was earlier posted as a Superintendent of Police in Manipuri and Firozabad, the region regarded as SP bastion. After his suspension, Kumar tweeted, "Truth alone triumphs." The IPS officer was in the news last July for filing a case against his estranged wife, Priya Singh, in Noida. He had alleged that she had hacked his e-mail accounts to obtain bank statements and personal details. (PTI)

After police officer suspended, Akhilesh Yadav accuses Yogi Adityanath of casteism in police

<p>Finance Minister Arun Jaitley ruled out farm loan waivers by the Centre but said states can utilise their own resources in this regard.</p>

<p>He clarified that the Centre will not adopt a selective approach by helping one state and not the others.</p>

<p>&quot;This issue (loan waiver) has cropped up in several states. The Centre has its policies for agriculture sector under which we provide interest subvention and other support. We will continue to give all that.</p>

<p>If a state has its own resources and want to go ahead in that direction, it will have to find its resources. The situation where the Centre will help one state and not the others will not arise,&quot; Jaitley said in the Rajya Sabha.</p>

<p>Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh had said that the Yogi Adityanath-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Uttar Pradesh will waive off loans of small and marginal farmers as has been promised in party&#39;s state election manifesto in the recent assembly polls.</p>

<p>The Congress had demanded that the government announce a loan waiver for farmers across the country as was done by the UPA in 2006 and not just for Uttar Pradesh where the BJP has returned to power with a major mandate.<br />
<br />
(PTI)</p>


Arun Jaitley clarified that states can utilise their own resources if they want to waive off farmers' loans

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley ruled out farm loan waivers by the Centre but said states can utilise their own resources in this regard. He clarified that the Centre will not adopt a selective approach by helping one state and not the others. "This issue (loan waiver) has cropped up in several states. The Centre has its policies for agriculture sector under which we provide interest subvention and other support. We will continue to give all that. If a state has its own resources and want to go ahead in that direction, it will have to find its resources. The situation where the Centre will help one state and not the others will not arise," Jaitley said in the Rajya Sabha. Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh had said that the Yogi Adityanath-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Uttar Pradesh will waive off loans of small and marginal farmers as has been promised in party's state election manifesto in the recent assembly polls. The Congress had demanded that the government announce a loan waiver for farmers across the country as was done by the UPA in 2006 and not just for Uttar Pradesh where the BJP has returned to power with a major mandate. (PTI)

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley rules out loans waivers by the Centre

<p>Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has now banned government employees from wearing jeans and T-shirts during duty hours.</p>

<p>Acting on the government&#39;s direction, Bareilly District Magistrate (DM) Surendra Singh asked all the officials in collectorate to comply with the order.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;No more wearing of jeans and T-shirts. We have directed all government employees to attend office in a formal dress code only,&quot; Singh told DNA.</p>

<p>The DM has also directed all department heads to issue a formal order in this regard. &quot;It is not only about a formal dress code, they have been asked to attend office in time and dispose off files as speedily as possible with proper noting of date and time of disposal. Laxity will no longer be tolerated under the new regime,&quot; warned Singh.</p>

<p>CMO, Bareilly, warned that violators of the orders will be marked absent and salary of a day will be deducted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The order, dated March 22, 2017, also spelled out a dress code -- pant-shirt for males and saree/salwar-suit for female government employees.</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


A dress code will be enforced too: Pant-shirt for males and saree/salwar-suit for female government employees

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has now banned government employees from wearing jeans and T-shirts during duty hours. Acting on the government's direction, Bareilly District Magistrate (DM) Surendra Singh asked all the officials in collectorate to comply with the order. "No more wearing of jeans and T-shirts. We have directed all government employees to attend office in a formal dress code only," Singh told DNA. The DM has also directed all department heads to issue a formal order in this regard. "It is not only about a formal dress code, they have been asked to attend office in time and dispose off files as speedily as possible with proper noting of date and time of disposal. Laxity will no longer be tolerated under the new regime," warned Singh. CMO, Bareilly, warned that violators of the orders will be marked absent and salary of a day will be deducted. The order, dated March 22, 2017, also spelled out a dress code -- pant-shirt for males and saree/salwar-suit for female government employees. (WION)

India: Yogi Adityanath now bans govt employees from wearing jeans, T-shirts

<p>India reacted sharply to The New York Times&#39; editorial criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s choice of Adityanath Yogi as the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, and said the paper&#39;s wisdom to write such a piece was &quot;questionable&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;All editorials or opinions are subjective. This case is particularly so. The wisdom in doubting the verdicts of genuine democratic exercises, at home or abroad, is questionable,&quot; External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Gopal Baglay.</p>

<p>The NYT in the highly critical editorial, titled &#39;Modi&#39;s Perilous Embrace of Hindu Extremists&#39;, said since he was elected in 2014, Modi has played a &quot;cagey game, appeasing his party&#39;s hard-line Hindu base while promoting secular goals of development and economic growth&quot;.</p>

<p>The move by Prime Minister Modi&#39;s party to name &quot;firebrand Hindu cleric&quot; Adityanath as Uttar Pradesh&#39;s chief minister is a &quot;shocking rebuke&quot; to religious minorities, the editorial said.</p>

<p>Innocent won&rsquo;t be harassed by anti-Romeo squads Dy CM Maurya</p>

<p>In the highly critical editorial titled &#39;Modi&#39;s Perilous Embrace of Hindu Extremists&#39;, The New York Times&nbsp;said since his election in 2014, Modi has played a &quot;cagey game, appeasing his party&#39;s hard-line Hindu base while promoting secular goals of development and economic growth&quot;.</p>

<p>There was no immediate comments on the editorial from the Prime Minister&#39;s office in New Delhi.</p>

<p>It stated that while there were &quot;worrying signs&quot; that he was willing to humour Hindu extremists, Modi refrained from overtly approving violence against the nation&#39;s Muslim minority.</p>

<p>However, Modi &quot;revealed his hand&quot; when emboldened by a landslide victory in recent elections in India s largest state of Uttar Pradesh, his party named a &quot;firebrand Hindu cleric, Yogi Adityanath, as the state&#39;s leader&quot;, it said.</p>

<p>&quot;The move is a shocking rebuke to religious minorities, and a sign that cold political calculations ahead of national elections in 2019 have led Modi&#39;s Bharatiya Janata Party to believe that nothing stands in the way of realising its long-held dream of transforming a secular republic into a Hindu state,&quot; the editorial said.</p>

<p>It noted that Adityanath&nbsp;has made a political career of demonising Muslims. The editorial said Uttar Pradesh badly needs development and not ideological showmanship.</p>

<p>It said Adityanath has sounded the right notes by saying that his government will be for everyone and not specifically for any caste or community.</p>

<p>&quot;But the appointment shows that Modi sees no contradiction between economic development and a muscular Hindu nationalism that feeds on stoking anti-Muslim passions,&quot; the editorial added.</p>

<p>In a criticism, it said Modi&#39;s economic policies have delivered growth, but not jobs at a time when India needs to generate a million new jobs every month to meet employment demand.</p>

<p>&quot;Should Adityanath fail to deliver, there is every fear that he and Modi&#39;s party will resort to deadly Muslim-baiting to stay in power, turning Modi&#39;s dreamland into a nightmare for India s minorities, and threatening the progress that Modi has promised to all of its citizens,&quot; it said.</p>

<p>(PTI)</p>


An editorial in the New York Times called Adityanath's appointment a 'shocking rebuke to religious minorities'

India reacted sharply to The New York Times' editorial criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's choice of Adityanath Yogi as the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, and said the paper's wisdom to write such a piece was "questionable". "All editorials or opinions are subjective. This case is particularly so. The wisdom in doubting the verdicts of genuine democratic exercises, at home or abroad, is questionable," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Gopal Baglay. The NYT in the highly critical editorial, titled 'Modi's Perilous Embrace of Hindu Extremists', said since he was elected in 2014, Modi has played a "cagey game, appeasing his party's hard-line Hindu base while promoting secular goals of development and economic growth". The move by Prime Minister Modi's party to name "firebrand Hindu cleric" Adityanath as Uttar Pradesh's chief minister is a "shocking rebuke" to religious minorities, the editorial said. Innocent won’t be harassed by anti-Romeo squads Dy CM Maurya In the highly critical editorial titled 'Modi's Perilous Embrace of Hindu Extremists', The New York Times said since his election in 2014, Modi has played a "cagey game, appeasing his party's hard-line Hindu base while promoting secular goals of development and economic growth". There was no immediate comments on the editorial from the Prime Minister's office in New Delhi. It stated that while there were "worrying signs" that he was willing to humour Hindu extremists, Modi refrained from overtly approving violence against the nation's Muslim minority. However, Modi "revealed his hand" when emboldened by a landslide victory in recent elections in India s largest state of Uttar Pradesh, his party named a "firebrand Hindu cleric, Yogi Adityanath, as the state's leader", it said. "The move is a shocking rebuke to religious minorities, and a sign that cold political calculations ahead of national elections in 2019 have led Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party to believe that nothing stands in the way of realising its long-held dream of transforming a secular republic into a Hindu state," the editorial said. It noted that Adityanath has made a political career of demonising Muslims. The editorial said Uttar Pradesh badly needs development and not ideological showmanship. It said Adityanath has sounded the right notes by saying that his government will be for everyone and not specifically for any caste or community. "But the appointment shows that Modi sees no contradiction between economic development and a muscular Hindu nationalism that feeds on stoking anti-Muslim passions," the editorial added. In a criticism, it said Modi's economic policies have delivered growth, but not jobs at a time when India needs to generate a million new jobs every month to meet employment demand. "Should Adityanath fail to deliver, there is every fear that he and Modi's party will resort to deadly Muslim-baiting to stay in power, turning Modi's dreamland into a nightmare for India s minorities, and threatening the progress that Modi has promised to all of its citizens," it said. (PTI)

India: Govt reacts to NYT editorial criticising Yogi Adityanath's appointment

<p>Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath Friday directed police to arrest two men who allegedly forced a gang-rape and acid-attack survivor to drink acid on a moving train.</p>

<p>Yogi Adityanath visited the survivor, a 45-year-old woman, at Lucknow&#39;s King George&#39;s Medical University hospital where she is being treated, PTI reported. He directed the police to arrest the accused and announced Rs 1 lakh assistance for the woman.</p>

<p>The chief minister also summoned ADG (Railways) Gopal Gupta and directed him to ensure that the accused are arrested.</p>

<p>Women&#39;s welfare minister Rita Bahuguna Joshi also visited the victim and assured all help.</p>

<p>The woman, who works with Sheroes Hangout Cafe, an outlet run by acid attack survivors in Lucknow, and had gone home on March 10 for her daughter&#39;s board examinations.</p>

<p>The incident took place aboard the Allahabad-Lucknow Ganga Gomti Express when the woman was on her way back.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She subsequently got off at Lucknow&#39;s main Charbagh station and unable to speak, &nbsp;submitted a written complaint to the government and the railway police.</p>

<p>In her complaint, the woman says two persons forced her to drink acid around 10.30 am on Thursday, police said.</p>

<p>This was the fourth attack on the woman who was allegedly gang-raped and attacked with acid by the two men at her home at Raebareli over a property dispute in 2009.</p>

<p>She was attacked with a knife in 2012, a serious attempt on her life. In 2013, she was attacked with acid, police sources said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Inspector General (Lucknow Zone) Satish Ganesh has ordered action against three &quot;insensitive&quot; women constables whose selfies near the victim&#39;s bed in hospital went viral on the social media.<br />
<br />
(WION with inputs from PTI)</p>


He directed police to arrest the two men accused

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath Friday directed police to arrest two men who allegedly forced a gang-rape and acid-attack survivor to drink acid on a moving train. Yogi Adityanath visited the survivor, a 45-year-old woman, at Lucknow's King George's Medical University hospital where she is being treated, PTI reported. He directed the police to arrest the accused and announced Rs 1 lakh assistance for the woman. The chief minister also summoned ADG (Railways) Gopal Gupta and directed him to ensure that the accused are arrested. Women's welfare minister Rita Bahuguna Joshi also visited the victim and assured all help. The woman, who works with Sheroes Hangout Cafe, an outlet run by acid attack survivors in Lucknow, and had gone home on March 10 for her daughter's board examinations. The incident took place aboard the Allahabad-Lucknow Ganga Gomti Express when the woman was on her way back. She subsequently got off at Lucknow's main Charbagh station and unable to speak, submitted a written complaint to the government and the railway police. In her complaint, the woman says two persons forced her to drink acid around 10.30 am on Thursday, police said. This was the fourth attack on the woman who was allegedly gang-raped and attacked with acid by the two men at her home at Raebareli over a property dispute in 2009. She was attacked with a knife in 2012, a serious attempt on her life. In 2013, she was attacked with acid, police sources said. Meanwhile, Inspector General (Lucknow Zone) Satish Ganesh has ordered action against three "insensitive" women constables whose selfies near the victim's bed in hospital went viral on the social media. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Yogi Adityanath meets gang-rape survivor allegedly forced to drink acid

<p>A man has been arrested for allegedly posting an &#39;objectionable&#39;&nbsp;image of Yogi Adityanath, the new Uttar Pradesh chief minister, on social media.</p>

<p>Rahat Khan, who works at a public utility centre, was held after the Hindu Yuva Vahini -- a right-wing outfit formed by Adityanath in 2002 -- notified the police about the post on Facebook.</p>

<p>Twenty four-year-old Khan allegedly posted an obscene picture of the new chief minister and dubbed him a &quot;traitor&quot;.</p>

<p>Police in Dankaur, roughly 75 kilometres from India&#39;s national capital New Delhi, confirmed Khan&#39;s&nbsp;arrest.</p>

<p>Yogi Adityanath became Uttar Pradesh&#39;s 21st chief minister last week after Indian Prime MInister Narendra Modi&#39;s Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies swept roughly 80 per cent of the electoral seats in the recently-concluded state elections in Uttar Pradesh, which incidentally is also the country&#39;s most populous state.</p>

<p>Adityanath&#39;s ascension to the top post in the state has elicited split opinions. While the commentariat on the right has lauded BJP&#39;s decision to appoint him to helm India&#39;s heartland, critics fear that the Hindu hardliner portends trouble in a state that is riven by caste and religious faultlines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Adityanath, who has in the past spouted incendiary comments against Islam, has also unnerved a sizeable Muslim population in the state. Muslims constitute almost 20 per cent of the 202 million people in the state.</p>

<p>A five-time lawmaker, the Hindutva firebrand has been caught in several controversies for making divisive speeches.</p>

<p>He is the head priest of Gorakhnath Mutt in Uttar Pradesh&#39;s Gorakhpur town.</p>

<p>(WION)</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Twenty-four-year-old Rahat Khan allegedly also called the yogi a 'traitor'

A man has been arrested for allegedly posting an 'objectionable' image of Yogi Adityanath, the new Uttar Pradesh chief minister, on social media. Rahat Khan, who works at a public utility centre, was held after the Hindu Yuva Vahini -- a right-wing outfit formed by Adityanath in 2002 -- notified the police about the post on Facebook. Twenty four-year-old Khan allegedly posted an obscene picture of the new chief minister and dubbed him a "traitor". Police in Dankaur, roughly 75 kilometres from India's national capital New Delhi, confirmed Khan's arrest. Yogi Adityanath became Uttar Pradesh's 21st chief minister last week after Indian Prime MInister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies swept roughly 80 per cent of the electoral seats in the recently-concluded state elections in Uttar Pradesh, which incidentally is also the country's most populous state. Adityanath's ascension to the top post in the state has elicited split opinions. While the commentariat on the right has lauded BJP's decision to appoint him to helm India's heartland, critics fear that the Hindu hardliner portends trouble in a state that is riven by caste and religious faultlines. Adityanath, who has in the past spouted incendiary comments against Islam, has also unnerved a sizeable Muslim population in the state. Muslims constitute almost 20 per cent of the 202 million people in the state. A five-time lawmaker, the Hindutva firebrand has been caught in several controversies for making divisive speeches. He is the head priest of Gorakhnath Mutt in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur town. (WION)

Man held for 'posting obscene picture' of UP CM Yogi Adityanath

<p>Seeking to send a strong message that laxity in enforcing law and order will not be tolerated, Uttar Pradesh police has suspended over 100 policemen since the new government led by Yogi Adityanath assumed office.</p>

<p>Most of these suspensions were in Ghaziabad, Meerut and Noida. In Lucknow, seven inspectors have been suspended.</p>

<p>The crackdown followed directives issued by DGP Javeed Ahmed a few days back to identify the &quot;black sheep&quot; among the policemen.</p>

<p>PRO UP Police, Rahul Srivastava, said, &quot;More than 100 policemen, mostly constables, have been suspended as per the directives of the DGP to identify the black sheep and take exemplary action against them.&quot;</p>

<p>The directive was issued to all the Superintendents of Police through video conferencing by the state police chief and Principal Secretary (Home) Debashish Panda hours after Yogi Adityanath assumed office.<br />
<br />
(PTI)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The crackdown followed directives issued by a top police officer a few days back to identify the 'black sheep' among policemen

Seeking to send a strong message that laxity in enforcing law and order will not be tolerated, Uttar Pradesh police has suspended over 100 policemen since the new government led by Yogi Adityanath assumed office. Most of these suspensions were in Ghaziabad, Meerut and Noida. In Lucknow, seven inspectors have been suspended. The crackdown followed directives issued by DGP Javeed Ahmed a few days back to identify the "black sheep" among the policemen. PRO UP Police, Rahul Srivastava, said, "More than 100 policemen, mostly constables, have been suspended as per the directives of the DGP to identify the black sheep and take exemplary action against them." The directive was issued to all the Superintendents of Police through video conferencing by the state police chief and Principal Secretary (Home) Debashish Panda hours after Yogi Adityanath assumed office. (PTI)

100 policemen suspended in UP since Yogi Adityanath took charge

<p>Lucknow&#39;s iconic Tunday Kababi remained open but without the mainstay of its menu -- the kebab made of buffalo meat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The reason behind such a move is the shortage of buffalo meat because of crackdown on illegal slaughterhousess ordered by the Yogi Adityanath government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first Tunday eatery opened in the city&#39;s Chowk area, there are by now about five or six branches around the city.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>The first Tunday eatery opened in the city&#39;s Chowk area in 1905</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=The first Tunday eatery opened in the city's Chowk area in 1905" target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Business severely affected, there is shortage of mutton and buffalo meat. We are selling chicken right now: Abu Bakr,Tunday Kababi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lucknow?src=hash">#Lucknow</a> <a href="https://t.co/ldSz8JzA5j">pic.twitter.com/ldSz8JzA5j</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/844866593993633793">March 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>Tunday&#39;s&nbsp;kebabs are made of mutton, chicken and &quot;bada ka meat&quot; or buffalo, but that is no longer the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Every morning, meat is delivered to the eateries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The meat is then turned into the most delectable kebabs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But on Wednesday, the slaughterhouse that supplied buffalo meat to Tunday&#39;s&nbsp;was shut down. Media reports said that was because &quot;it did not have its papers in order&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With no buffalo meat to work with, and therefore no mainstay of bada kebabs, media reports said&nbsp;Tunday&#39;s&nbsp;downed its shutters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They opened again on Thursday, serving only mutton and chicken kebabs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Media reports quoted the owner Abu Baqr as saying he was happy to comply with any government order, &quot;but perhaps people should be given a little time to put their affairs in order&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Other people were quoted as saying buffalo kebabs are cheaper than mutton and chicken kebabs. That allows the poor to eat at Tunday&#39;s.&nbsp;And that not everybody can afford mutton and chicken.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the last people to eat the buffalo kebabs at Tunday&#39;s Aminabad eatery on Wednesday was Tarandeep Singh Bachhal, who was visting with friends.</p>

<p>What were the kebabs like? &quot;Tasty as usual,&quot; he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Would you go back for the mutton and chicken kebabs? &quot;Yes,&quot; he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Abu Baqr meanwhile was last overheard (in the media reports) trying to convince other patrons to return. &quot;Come come,&quot; he said, &quot;we will try and make our mutton and chicken kebabs as tasty as the ones made of buffalo meat.&quot;</p>

<p>(WION)&nbsp;</p>


Tunday's now serves only mutton and chicken kebabs, buffalo meat kebabs are off the menu

Lucknow's iconic Tunday Kababi remained open but without the mainstay of its menu -- the kebab made of buffalo meat. The reason behind such a move is the shortage of buffalo meat because of crackdown on illegal slaughterhousess ordered by the Yogi Adityanath government. The first Tunday eatery opened in the city's Chowk area, there are by now about five or six branches around the city. The first Tunday eatery opened in the city's Chowk area in 1905 × Business severely affected, there is shortage of mutton and buffalo meat. We are selling chicken right now: Abu Bakr,Tunday Kababi #Lucknow pic.twitter.com/ldSz8JzA5j — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 23, 2017 × Tunday's kebabs are made of mutton, chicken and "bada ka meat" or buffalo, but that is no longer the case. Every morning, meat is delivered to the eateries. The meat is then turned into the most delectable kebabs. But on Wednesday, the slaughterhouse that supplied buffalo meat to Tunday's was shut down. Media reports said that was because "it did not have its papers in order". With no buffalo meat to work with, and therefore no mainstay of bada kebabs, media reports said Tunday's downed its shutters. They opened again on Thursday, serving only mutton and chicken kebabs. Media reports quoted the owner Abu Baqr as saying he was happy to comply with any government order, "but perhaps people should be given a little time to put their affairs in order". Other people were quoted as saying buffalo kebabs are cheaper than mutton and chicken kebabs. That allows the poor to eat at Tunday's. And that not everybody can afford mutton and chicken. One of the last people to eat the buffalo kebabs at Tunday's Aminabad eatery on Wednesday was Tarandeep Singh Bachhal, who was visting with friends. What were the kebabs like? "Tasty as usual," he said. Would you go back for the mutton and chicken kebabs? "Yes," he said. Abu Baqr meanwhile was last overheard (in the media reports) trying to convince other patrons to return. "Come come," he said, "we will try and make our mutton and chicken kebabs as tasty as the ones made of buffalo meat." (WION)

Lucknow's iconic Tunday Kababi is open but without the mainstay of its menu

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took over the reins of India&#39;s most populous and politically critical state recently, Uttar Pradesh, but one of their first decisions to crack down on young men seen with women in public has produced&nbsp;realms of news reports in the country.</p>

<p>The right-leaning BJP had in its election manifesto vowed to set up a squad to deter men from harassing women amid reports of a spike in molestation cases in India&#39;s northern state of Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>But the new government&#39;s decision to empower the unit, known as &quot;anti-Romeo squads&quot;, to put men behind bars has raised the perennial dilemma of moral policing and governance.</p>

<p>Yogi Adityanath, the new head of the state, has been a strong advocate of crackdowns of such nature -- evidenced by the fact that local police arrested about 50 men from his constituency of Gorakhpur, roughly 215 kilometres from India&#39;s capital New Delhi, on Wednesday (March 22).</p>

<p>The drive to protect &quot;women&#39;s self-respect&quot; -- as put by the BJP in its manifesto -- has fanned out across the state, with reports of police questioning, and in some cases incarcerating, men seen with women in public.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="videos-block">
<div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jEB1ZXDjWbM"></iframe></div>
</div>

<div class="media-description">
<p>The squads have been formed on the directive of new UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath (Reuters)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/up-college-20170323112535.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Police escort a boy away from a college in Lucknow. (DNA)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/anti-romeosquads-20170323113445.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Police patrol outside a college in Lucknow. (ANI)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>On Tuesday, two men were arrested in the state&#39;s capital city of Lucknow, while reports of questioning people emerged from other small towns such as Meerut and Jhansi.</p>

<p>In some cases, a few boys who had to come to pick up their sisters from colleges were also arrested, DNA reported.</p>

<p>Deccan Chronicle&nbsp;reported that a boy was made to do sit-ups by the police as punishment for sitting with girls in Meerut.</p>

<p>But the BJP says the anti-Romeo squad is keeping a close vigilance on men in public spaces to prevent cases of molestation in the state.</p>

<p>Adityanath has reportedly asked the police to take strict action against those found guilty.</p>

<p>Sources in the police department say the modus operandi of the drive would be on the lines of the infamous Operation Majnu. In 2005, Operation Majnu had empowered police to question any boy&nbsp;seen with a woman on the streets or in parks. The campaign had soured when reports of police thrashing young men came to the fore.</p>

<p>The BJP and its allies recorded a landslide victory in the recently-concluded elections in Uttar Pradesh, winning roughly 80 per cent of the seats in the legislative house.</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


The government says it is trying to curb an 'alarming' rise in eve-teasing incidents

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took over the reins of India's most populous and politically critical state recently, Uttar Pradesh, but one of their first decisions to crack down on young men seen with women in public has produced realms of news reports in the country. The right-leaning BJP had in its election manifesto vowed to set up a squad to deter men from harassing women amid reports of a spike in molestation cases in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh. But the new government's decision to empower the unit, known as "anti-Romeo squads", to put men behind bars has raised the perennial dilemma of moral policing and governance. Yogi Adityanath, the new head of the state, has been a strong advocate of crackdowns of such nature -- evidenced by the fact that local police arrested about 50 men from his constituency of Gorakhpur, roughly 215 kilometres from India's capital New Delhi, on Wednesday (March 22). The drive to protect "women's self-respect" -- as put by the BJP in its manifesto -- has fanned out across the state, with reports of police questioning, and in some cases incarcerating, men seen with women in public. The squads have been formed on the directive of new UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath (Reuters) × Police escort a boy away from a college in Lucknow. (DNA) × Police patrol outside a college in Lucknow. (ANI) × On Tuesday, two men were arrested in the state's capital city of Lucknow, while reports of questioning people emerged from other small towns such as Meerut and Jhansi. In some cases, a few boys who had to come to pick up their sisters from colleges were also arrested, DNA reported. Deccan Chronicle reported that a boy was made to do sit-ups by the police as punishment for sitting with girls in Meerut. But the BJP says the anti-Romeo squad is keeping a close vigilance on men in public spaces to prevent cases of molestation in the state. Adityanath has reportedly asked the police to take strict action against those found guilty. Sources in the police department say the modus operandi of the drive would be on the lines of the infamous Operation Majnu. In 2005, Operation Majnu had empowered police to question any boy seen with a woman on the streets or in parks. The campaign had soured when reports of police thrashing young men came to the fore. The BJP and its allies recorded a landslide victory in the recently-concluded elections in Uttar Pradesh, winning roughly 80 per cent of the seats in the legislative house. (WION)

New UP govt cracks down on men & women seen together in public

<p>Close on the heels of Yogi Adityanath taking charge as the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, police have started an &#39;anti-Romeo&#39; drive to curb incidents of sexual harassment across the district.</p>

<p>According to Inspector General of Police, Meerut zone, Ajay Anand, anti-Romeo squads have been formed on the directives of the chief minister.</p>

<p>Each police station in the districts under the zone has formed a squad comprising one SI, three constables and a woman constable, he said.</p>

<p>The squads will carry out the &#39;Operation Romeo&#39; outside colleges and their functioning will be monitored by the city SP, Anand said.</p>

<p>While campaigning in the state, BJP President Amit Shah had said that the BJP, if voted to power, would form anti-Romeo squads to check instances of sexual harassment of women.</p>

<p>SP (city) Alok Priyadarshi said that the drive was meant to create an atmosphere of security for the women.</p>

<p>Hotels &quot;with a bad reputation&quot; across the city have also found themselves on the receiving end of the drive with officials conducting raids at various such establishments.</p>

<p>In one such raid at a hotel in Sadar Bazar area here, policemen found a hookah bar which they promptly shut down.</p>

<p>Bottles of hookah flavours found there would be sent for &quot;forensic tests&quot;, police said, adding that youths were being intoxicated through the flavours.</p>

<p>It is not immediately clear how the seizure fell under the purview of the anti-Romeo drive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(PTI)</p>


The squads have been formed on the directive of the new chief minister

Close on the heels of Yogi Adityanath taking charge as the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, police have started an 'anti-Romeo' drive to curb incidents of sexual harassment across the district. According to Inspector General of Police, Meerut zone, Ajay Anand, anti-Romeo squads have been formed on the directives of the chief minister. Each police station in the districts under the zone has formed a squad comprising one SI, three constables and a woman constable, he said. The squads will carry out the 'Operation Romeo' outside colleges and their functioning will be monitored by the city SP, Anand said. While campaigning in the state, BJP President Amit Shah had said that the BJP, if voted to power, would form anti-Romeo squads to check instances of sexual harassment of women. SP (city) Alok Priyadarshi said that the drive was meant to create an atmosphere of security for the women. Hotels "with a bad reputation" across the city have also found themselves on the receiving end of the drive with officials conducting raids at various such establishments. In one such raid at a hotel in Sadar Bazar area here, policemen found a hookah bar which they promptly shut down. Bottles of hookah flavours found there would be sent for "forensic tests", police said, adding that youths were being intoxicated through the flavours. It is not immediately clear how the seizure fell under the purview of the anti-Romeo drive. (PTI)

UP begins anti-Romeo drive

<p>In line with the BJP&#39;s election manifesto, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today (March 22) directed police officials to prepare an action plan for closure of slaughter houses across the state.</p>

<p>The Lucknow Municipal Corporation soon swung into action and sealed nine meat shops in the state capital.</p>

<p>Adityanath also asked officials to ensure a blanket ban on smuggling of cows and said zero tolerance would be exercised in this regard, official sources said.</p>

<p>The sources, however, did not specify the type of slaughter houses which will be shut.</p>

<p>There was some clarification from Sidharthnath Singh, a minister in the state government, who said licensed slaughterhouses were being allowed to function.</p>

<p>Uttar Pradesh minister Shrikant Sharma said if licensed slaughterhouses violated rules, &quot;strict action would be taken against them&quot;.</p>

<p>The BJP manifesto had said that all the illegal slaughter houses would be closed and there would be a blanket ban on all the mechanised slaughter houses.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>The BJP&#39;s election manifesto had said that all the illegal slaughter houses would be closed and there would be a blanket ban on all the mechanised slaughter houses</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=The BJP's election manifesto had said that all the illegal slaughter houses would be closed and there would be a blanket ban on all the mechanised slaughter houses" target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p>While police and municipal authorities across the state have already started to crack down on illegal slaughter houses across the state with raids on many such units in most of the districts, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation today sealed nine meat shops in Mahanagar and Aliganj.</p>

<p>As per the LMC&#39;s estimate, there are approximately 200-250 meat shops that are running illegally in the city of Nawabs where foodies flock for mouthwatering &#39;kebabs&#39; (a grilled meat dish).</p>

<p>Besides, not a single slaughter house in the city is authorised to function as the four the state capital had were all issued closure notices by the UP Pollution Control Board between 2013 and 2015.</p>

<p>One, which existed in the cantonment area, was sealed by the cantonment board, while the other three were in Motijheel, Aminabad and Kasaibada areas here.</p>

<p>&quot;There are shops running in shanties which are not following norms. Such shops need to be regulated or closed down,&quot; Chief Veterinary Officer LMC AK Rao.&nbsp;</p>

<p>IG (Lucknow zone) A Satish Ganesh had said yesterday that a comprehensive drive has been launched across 11 districts around Lucknow against illegal transportation of cattle and meat, slaughter houses and cow slaughter.</p>

<p>Besides Lucknow, the other districts are Unnao, Barabanki, Rae Bareli, Sitapur, Hardoi, Lakhimpur Kheri, Amethi, Sultanpur, Faizabad and Ambedkar Nagar.</p>

<p>DGP Javeed Ahmed has already issued necessary directives in this regard to district police chiefs through video conferencing.</p>

<p>The BJP document had observed that due to cow smuggling, dairy-based industries have failed to flourish.</p>

<p>It noted that during the past state governments there has been a fall in cattle count, reflecting that bovine smuggling was rampant.</p>

<p>BJP Chief Amit Shah in his election meetings had emphasised that the moment his party comes to power in the state, it would ban all slaughter houses.</p>

<p>Adityanath had launched his first movement against illegal slaughter houses in Gorakhpur region way back in 2002.</p>

<p>Volunteers of Hindu Yuva Vahini (HYV), an organisation floated by the five-time MP from Gorakhpur, were mobilised to launch an agitation against those slaughter houses.</p>

<p>After the success of the agitation, the HYV had launched a massive campaign against slaughter houses and cattle lifting.</p>

<p>In his orders issued today, Adityanath also directed the police to act tough against anti-social elements.</p>

<p>He warned that those using police security as &quot;status symbol&quot; would come under the scanner and after review of their threat perception their security might be changed.</p>

<p>(PTI)&nbsp;</p>


He has asked police for an action plan to shut down slaughterhouses across the state

In line with the BJP's election manifesto, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today (March 22) directed police officials to prepare an action plan for closure of slaughter houses across the state. The Lucknow Municipal Corporation soon swung into action and sealed nine meat shops in the state capital. Adityanath also asked officials to ensure a blanket ban on smuggling of cows and said zero tolerance would be exercised in this regard, official sources said. The sources, however, did not specify the type of slaughter houses which will be shut. There was some clarification from Sidharthnath Singh, a minister in the state government, who said licensed slaughterhouses were being allowed to function. Uttar Pradesh minister Shrikant Sharma said if licensed slaughterhouses violated rules, "strict action would be taken against them". The BJP manifesto had said that all the illegal slaughter houses would be closed and there would be a blanket ban on all the mechanised slaughter houses. The BJP's election manifesto had said that all the illegal slaughter houses would be closed and there would be a blanket ban on all the mechanised slaughter houses × While police and municipal authorities across the state have already started to crack down on illegal slaughter houses across the state with raids on many such units in most of the districts, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation today sealed nine meat shops in Mahanagar and Aliganj. As per the LMC's estimate, there are approximately 200-250 meat shops that are running illegally in the city of Nawabs where foodies flock for mouthwatering 'kebabs' (a grilled meat dish). Besides, not a single slaughter house in the city is authorised to function as the four the state capital had were all issued closure notices by the UP Pollution Control Board between 2013 and 2015. One, which existed in the cantonment area, was sealed by the cantonment board, while the other three were in Motijheel, Aminabad and Kasaibada areas here. "There are shops running in shanties which are not following norms. Such shops need to be regulated or closed down," Chief Veterinary Officer LMC AK Rao. IG (Lucknow zone) A Satish Ganesh had said yesterday that a comprehensive drive has been launched across 11 districts around Lucknow against illegal transportation of cattle and meat, slaughter houses and cow slaughter. Besides Lucknow, the other districts are Unnao, Barabanki, Rae Bareli, Sitapur, Hardoi, Lakhimpur Kheri, Amethi, Sultanpur, Faizabad and Ambedkar Nagar. DGP Javeed Ahmed has already issued necessary directives in this regard to district police chiefs through video conferencing. The BJP document had observed that due to cow smuggling, dairy-based industries have failed to flourish. It noted that during the past state governments there has been a fall in cattle count, reflecting that bovine smuggling was rampant. BJP Chief Amit Shah in his election meetings had emphasised that the moment his party comes to power in the state, it would ban all slaughter houses. Adityanath had launched his first movement against illegal slaughter houses in Gorakhpur region way back in 2002. Volunteers of Hindu Yuva Vahini (HYV), an organisation floated by the five-time MP from Gorakhpur, were mobilised to launch an agitation against those slaughter houses. After the success of the agitation, the HYV had launched a massive campaign against slaughter houses and cattle lifting. In his orders issued today, Adityanath also directed the police to act tough against anti-social elements. He warned that those using police security as "status symbol" would come under the scanner and after review of their threat perception their security might be changed. (PTI)

Will Yogi Adityanath shut down all slaughterhouses in UP?

<p>Livid at the sight of betel juice stained walls of the building that houses his office, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today banned the use of pan and tobacco products in schools, colleges, hospitals and other government buildings.</p>

<p>On his first visit to the secretariat annexe building here, the chief minister gave a piece of his mind to officials there asking them to stop chewing pan and pan masala when on duty.</p>

<p>He was visibly put off when he saw betel-juice stained walls of the building which is known as Lal Bahadur Shastri Bhawan and houses the chief minister&#39;s office and his secretariat, offices of the state chief secretary, principal secretary (home) and other senior IAS officers.</p>

<p>A few hours later, the chief minister directed officials to enforce a ban on the use of pan and tobacco in schools, colleges, government hospitals and hospitals. He also prohibited the use of plastic in government offices.</p>

<p>&quot;The chief minister visited all the floors of the annexe building and met officials posted there. After detecting betel stains on walls, he asked employees not to consume pan or pan masala during duty hours and ensure cleanliness,&quot; Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, who accompanied Yogi, said.</p>

<p>Adityanath also asked the the staff to make the atmosphere in the building healthy and clean by avoiding the use of plastic, Maurya told reporters.</p>

<p>A stickler for cleanliness, the saffron-robed 44-year-old chief minister had administered a sanitation pledge to officials a day after he took over as the UP CM and asked them to ensure that the pledge is effectively implemented on the lines of Swachh Bharat Mission of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>The officers were made to repeat after him a &quot;swachhata&quot; pledge - &quot;I will not litter, nor allow anybody to do it. I will devote 100 hours every year, to make the pledge of cleanliness come true and I will propagate the message of Swachch Bharat Mission in every nook and corner of the country.&quot;</p>

<p>Adityanath, who is the head priest of Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur, is known to take a round of the Mutt and temple premises, inspecting the cleanliness of the place after practising Yoga between 4 to 5 AM every day.</p>

<p>(PTI)&nbsp;</p>


The products have been banned in government buildings, schools, colleges, and hospitals

Livid at the sight of betel juice stained walls of the building that houses his office, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today banned the use of pan and tobacco products in schools, colleges, hospitals and other government buildings. On his first visit to the secretariat annexe building here, the chief minister gave a piece of his mind to officials there asking them to stop chewing pan and pan masala when on duty. He was visibly put off when he saw betel-juice stained walls of the building which is known as Lal Bahadur Shastri Bhawan and houses the chief minister's office and his secretariat, offices of the state chief secretary, principal secretary (home) and other senior IAS officers. A few hours later, the chief minister directed officials to enforce a ban on the use of pan and tobacco in schools, colleges, government hospitals and hospitals. He also prohibited the use of plastic in government offices. "The chief minister visited all the floors of the annexe building and met officials posted there. After detecting betel stains on walls, he asked employees not to consume pan or pan masala during duty hours and ensure cleanliness," Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, who accompanied Yogi, said. Adityanath also asked the the staff to make the atmosphere in the building healthy and clean by avoiding the use of plastic, Maurya told reporters. A stickler for cleanliness, the saffron-robed 44-year-old chief minister had administered a sanitation pledge to officials a day after he took over as the UP CM and asked them to ensure that the pledge is effectively implemented on the lines of Swachh Bharat Mission of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The officers were made to repeat after him a "swachhata" pledge - "I will not litter, nor allow anybody to do it. I will devote 100 hours every year, to make the pledge of cleanliness come true and I will propagate the message of Swachch Bharat Mission in every nook and corner of the country." Adityanath, who is the head priest of Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur, is known to take a round of the Mutt and temple premises, inspecting the cleanliness of the place after practising Yoga between 4 to 5 AM every day. (PTI)

Yogi sees paan stain in CM office complex, bans paan & tobacco across state

<p>Illegal slaughter houses and meat shops in Uttar Pradesh&#39;s capital Lucknow were sealed by police and local administration on Wednesday, the latest in the crackdown on slaughterhouses ordered by newly-appointed chief minister Yogi Adityanath.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-cards="hidden" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Illegal slaughter houses and meat shops sealed by Police and Nagar Nigam in Lucknow, UP. <a href="https://t.co/21CnPPb2A9">pic.twitter.com/21CnPPb2A9</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/844512792904265728">March 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The same day, Yogi Adityanath directed police officials to prepare an action plan for closure of slaughterhouses across the state, in keeping with the BJP&#39;s poll promise.</p>

<p>The Uttar Pradesh chief minister has also ordered a blanket ban on smuggling of cows.</p>

<p>Officials, however, have not specified which slaughterhouses will be shut.</p>

<p>The BJP manifesto had said that all the illegal slaughterhouses would be closed and there would be a blanket ban on all mechanised slaughter houses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Three meat shops were gutted in Hathras district on Tuesday night in what police officials said was a &quot;mysterious&quot; overnight blaze.</p>

<p>The meat industry is a flashpoint for religious violence in the state. Most butcher shops are run by Muslims and cow slaughter can trigger violence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hindus consider cows to be sacred and accusations of beef being sold by Muslims can trigger violent mob reprisals.</p>

<p>A 50-year-old Muslim man was dragged from his home in 2015 and beaten to death by roughly 100 people over rumours he ate beef. Police later said it was mutton.</p>

<p>Yogi Adityanath is known for his polarising and inflammatory speeches against Muslims, and has called for harsher penalties for the slaughter of cows, which is already illegal in most Indian states.</p>

<p>Since the BJP&#39;s election victory, dozens of butcher shops deemed illegal by the government have been sealed off across the state in what authorities say is a crackdown on unlicensed traders, AFP reports.</p>

<p>India has witnessed a rise in vigilantism by Hindu extremists since Modi -- whose right-wing party is strongly aligned to Hindu nationalist groups -- was voted to power in 2014.<br />
<br />
(WION with inputs from ANI, AFP)</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has told police to prepare an action plan for the closure of slaughterhouses across the state

Illegal slaughter houses and meat shops in Uttar Pradesh's capital Lucknow were sealed by police and local administration on Wednesday, the latest in the crackdown on slaughterhouses ordered by newly-appointed chief minister Yogi Adityanath. Illegal slaughter houses and meat shops sealed by Police and Nagar Nigam in Lucknow, UP. pic.twitter.com/21CnPPb2A9 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 22, 2017 × The same day, Yogi Adityanath directed police officials to prepare an action plan for closure of slaughterhouses across the state, in keeping with the BJP's poll promise. The Uttar Pradesh chief minister has also ordered a blanket ban on smuggling of cows. Officials, however, have not specified which slaughterhouses will be shut. The BJP manifesto had said that all the illegal slaughterhouses would be closed and there would be a blanket ban on all mechanised slaughter houses. Three meat shops were gutted in Hathras district on Tuesday night in what police officials said was a "mysterious" overnight blaze. The meat industry is a flashpoint for religious violence in the state. Most butcher shops are run by Muslims and cow slaughter can trigger violence. Hindus consider cows to be sacred and accusations of beef being sold by Muslims can trigger violent mob reprisals. A 50-year-old Muslim man was dragged from his home in 2015 and beaten to death by roughly 100 people over rumours he ate beef. Police later said it was mutton. Yogi Adityanath is known for his polarising and inflammatory speeches against Muslims, and has called for harsher penalties for the slaughter of cows, which is already illegal in most Indian states. Since the BJP's election victory, dozens of butcher shops deemed illegal by the government have been sealed off across the state in what authorities say is a crackdown on unlicensed traders, AFP reports. India has witnessed a rise in vigilantism by Hindu extremists since Modi -- whose right-wing party is strongly aligned to Hindu nationalist groups -- was voted to power in 2014. (WION with inputs from ANI, AFP)

Yogi effect: Illegal slaughterhouses, meat shops sealed in Uttar Pradesh capital

<p>Indian police said Wednesday they were not ruling out arson after fire gutted three butcher shops in Uttar Pradesh state, where a firebrand Hindu leader has taken office promising a crackdown on slaughterhouses.</p>

<p>The meat industry is a magnet for religious violence in India, where Hindus consider cows sacred and accusations of beef being sold by Muslims can trigger violent mob reprisals.</p>

<p>Police were investigating the &quot;mysterious&quot; overnight blaze that reduced the three butcher shops to ashes in Hathras district, local police chief Dilip Kumar told AFP.</p>

<p>&quot;We are not ruling out anything,&quot; he said.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>We are not ruling out anything,&#39; police chief Dilip Kumar said</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=We are not ruling out anything,' police chief Dilip Kumar said" target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p>The fire comes just days after a hardline Hindu priest-turned-politician took control of Uttar Pradesh, India`s largest state with a bloody history of violence between Hindus and Muslims.</p>

<p>Yogi Adityanath is known for his polarising and inflammatory speeches against Muslims, and has railed for harsher penalties for the slaughter of cows, which is already illegal in most Indian states.</p>

<p>He was chosen to lead Uttar Pradesh after Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party swept state polls earlier this month, in part on a pledge to clampdown on slaughterhouses.</p>

<p>Since the thumping election victory, dozens of butcher shops deemed illegal by the government have been sealed off across the state in what authorities say is a crackdown on unlicensed traders.</p>

<p>Most butcher shops are run by Muslims and cow slaughter is a flashpoint issue. A 50-year-old Muslim man was dragged from his home in 2015 and beaten to death by roughly 100 people over rumours he ate beef. Police later said it was mutton.</p>

<p>India has witnessed a rise in vigilantism by Hindu extremists since Modi -- whose right-wing party is strongly aligned to Hindu nationalist groups -- was voted to power in 2014.</p>

<p>(AFP)</p>


Police say they might have been set fire to intentionally

Indian police said Wednesday they were not ruling out arson after fire gutted three butcher shops in Uttar Pradesh state, where a firebrand Hindu leader has taken office promising a crackdown on slaughterhouses. The meat industry is a magnet for religious violence in India, where Hindus consider cows sacred and accusations of beef being sold by Muslims can trigger violent mob reprisals. Police were investigating the "mysterious" overnight blaze that reduced the three butcher shops to ashes in Hathras district, local police chief Dilip Kumar told AFP. "We are not ruling out anything," he said. We are not ruling out anything,' police chief Dilip Kumar said × The fire comes just days after a hardline Hindu priest-turned-politician took control of Uttar Pradesh, India`s largest state with a bloody history of violence between Hindus and Muslims. Yogi Adityanath is known for his polarising and inflammatory speeches against Muslims, and has railed for harsher penalties for the slaughter of cows, which is already illegal in most Indian states. He was chosen to lead Uttar Pradesh after Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party swept state polls earlier this month, in part on a pledge to clampdown on slaughterhouses. Since the thumping election victory, dozens of butcher shops deemed illegal by the government have been sealed off across the state in what authorities say is a crackdown on unlicensed traders. Most butcher shops are run by Muslims and cow slaughter is a flashpoint issue. A 50-year-old Muslim man was dragged from his home in 2015 and beaten to death by roughly 100 people over rumours he ate beef. Police later said it was mutton. India has witnessed a rise in vigilantism by Hindu extremists since Modi -- whose right-wing party is strongly aligned to Hindu nationalist groups -- was voted to power in 2014. (AFP)

Three meat shops 'mysteriously' catch fire in UP

<p>The newly-appointed government in Uttar Pradesh will reportedly get directions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s office, a news report has claimed.</p>

<p>PM Modi has designated a senior bureaucrat to monitor the day-to-day functioning of the state&#39;s Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government, an&nbsp;<a href="http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/yogi-adityanath-narendra-modi-nripendra-misra/1/908092.html">India Today</a>&nbsp;report said.</p>

<p><a href="http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/yogi-adityanath-narendra-modi-nripendra-misra/1/908092.html">India Today</a> quoted unnamed sources as saying the Principal Secretary to the PMO Nripendra Misra will be the point person between PM Modi and Yogi Adityanath.&nbsp;An Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer from the UP cadre, Nripendra Mishra was especially called by Modi in 2014, when he became the Prime Minister.</p>

<p>Further appointments in the state government will be made through Mishra who met Yogi Adityanath for a short while yesterday, the website reported.</p>

<p>Ministers have also been warned against speaking to the media except through the spokespersons for the UP government, another media report claimed.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>Principal secretary to the PMO Nripendra Mishra will be doing the monitoring</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Principal secretary to the PMO Nripendra Mishra will be doing the monitoring" target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p>The website said they discussed the implementation of government schemes so that their benefits accrued to the poor.</p>

<p>The Uttar Pradesh bureaucracy is likely to get a &quot;change in outlook&quot; in the next few days, the report stated. Work in that direction seems to have begun already --&nbsp;government officials were administered a cleanliness pledge by the chief minister and have been told to give 100 hours annually for the cause.&nbsp;The chief minister has also asked them to be transparent in recruitments, stand up to political pressure and improve investment in the state, reports state.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">UP CM Yogi Adityanath administered a cleanliness pledge to Govt officials. Officials pledged to give their 100 hours annually for the cause <a href="https://t.co/AzisdroczS">pic.twitter.com/AzisdroczS</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/843825569666031617">March 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ministers have been asked to do away with red beacons on their vehicles.<br />
<br />
Firebrand leader Adityanath&#39;s elevation as chief minister of one of India&#39;s most populous states, has many political analysts and observers worried because of his Hindutva leanings and controversial statements against Muslims who form a minority in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The five-time Member of Parliament from Gorakhpur in eastern UP was elected by the state&#39;s legislators on Saturday, a week after the BJP won a landslide victory in the state assembly elections.</p>

<p>He has pledged to uphold Modi&#39;s slogan of &quot;sabka saath, sabka vikas&quot;&nbsp;(&#39;all together, development for all&#39;).The new Uttar Pradesh chief minister got down to business right from day one, holding a meeting with senior officials from all government departments in state capital Lucknow. The officials were directed to bring a copy of the BJP poll manifesto (Sankalp Patra) and asked to read and implement it properly.<br />
<br />
Ministers were directed to provide details of their movable and immovable properties and income tax within 15 days.</p>

<p>Deputy chief ministers KP Maurya and Dinesh Sharma were also present at the meeting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Maurya told reporters that in its first meeting, the state Cabinet would discuss all key issues mentioned in the party&#39;s poll manifesto including loan waiver to farmers and a ban on mechanised slaughter houses.&nbsp;Dinesh Sharma promised to work for the welfare of the people and &quot;ensure that the work is visible on the ground&quot;, PTI reported.</p>

<p>The ban on illegal slaughterhouses was one of the main points of the BJP&rsquo;s manifesto in the recent elections. The party has also vowed to regulate the mechanised slaughterhouses. The approximately 130 legal slaughterhouses in the state provide employment to over two lakh people. Many Muslims, who are associated with the slaughtering business, fear harassment by vigilante groups.</p>

<p>Two slaughter houses in Allahabad city were also sealed by the local administration last night. The government claimed they were illegal.</p>

<p>Yogi Adityanath also asked Director General of Police Javeed Ahmed to ensure that there was no laxity in improving the law and order situation, hours after a BSP leader was shot dead in Allahabad.</p>

<p>The UP top cop has been asked to hold video conference with the district magistrates and the superintendents of police of all the 75 districts of the state to take stock of law and order situation and other administrative issues, PTI quoted sources as saying.</p>

<p>The portfolios to the new ministers are likely to be announced soon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


India Today quoted unnamed sources as saying Modi has appointed a senior bureaucrat to monitor the day-to-day functioning of the new UP govt

The newly-appointed government in Uttar Pradesh will reportedly get directions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office, a news report has claimed. PM Modi has designated a senior bureaucrat to monitor the day-to-day functioning of the state's Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government, an India Today report said. India Today quoted unnamed sources as saying the Principal Secretary to the PMO Nripendra Misra will be the point person between PM Modi and Yogi Adityanath. An Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer from the UP cadre, Nripendra Mishra was especially called by Modi in 2014, when he became the Prime Minister. Further appointments in the state government will be made through Mishra who met Yogi Adityanath for a short while yesterday, the website reported. Ministers have also been warned against speaking to the media except through the spokespersons for the UP government, another media report claimed. Principal secretary to the PMO Nripendra Mishra will be doing the monitoring × The website said they discussed the implementation of government schemes so that their benefits accrued to the poor. The Uttar Pradesh bureaucracy is likely to get a "change in outlook" in the next few days, the report stated. Work in that direction seems to have begun already -- government officials were administered a cleanliness pledge by the chief minister and have been told to give 100 hours annually for the cause. The chief minister has also asked them to be transparent in recruitments, stand up to political pressure and improve investment in the state, reports state. UP CM Yogi Adityanath administered a cleanliness pledge to Govt officials. Officials pledged to give their 100 hours annually for the cause pic.twitter.com/AzisdroczS — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 20, 2017 × Ministers have been asked to do away with red beacons on their vehicles. Firebrand leader Adityanath's elevation as chief minister of one of India's most populous states, has many political analysts and observers worried because of his Hindutva leanings and controversial statements against Muslims who form a minority in the state. The five-time Member of Parliament from Gorakhpur in eastern UP was elected by the state's legislators on Saturday, a week after the BJP won a landslide victory in the state assembly elections. He has pledged to uphold Modi's slogan of "sabka saath, sabka vikas" ('all together, development for all').The new Uttar Pradesh chief minister got down to business right from day one, holding a meeting with senior officials from all government departments in state capital Lucknow. The officials were directed to bring a copy of the BJP poll manifesto (Sankalp Patra) and asked to read and implement it properly. Ministers were directed to provide details of their movable and immovable properties and income tax within 15 days. Deputy chief ministers KP Maurya and Dinesh Sharma were also present at the meeting. Maurya told reporters that in its first meeting, the state Cabinet would discuss all key issues mentioned in the party's poll manifesto including loan waiver to farmers and a ban on mechanised slaughter houses. Dinesh Sharma promised to work for the welfare of the people and "ensure that the work is visible on the ground", PTI reported. The ban on illegal slaughterhouses was one of the main points of the BJP’s manifesto in the recent elections. The party has also vowed to regulate the mechanised slaughterhouses. The approximately 130 legal slaughterhouses in the state provide employment to over two lakh people. Many Muslims, who are associated with the slaughtering business, fear harassment by vigilante groups. Two slaughter houses in Allahabad city were also sealed by the local administration last night. The government claimed they were illegal. Yogi Adityanath also asked Director General of Police Javeed Ahmed to ensure that there was no laxity in improving the law and order situation, hours after a BSP leader was shot dead in Allahabad. The UP top cop has been asked to hold video conference with the district magistrates and the superintendents of police of all the 75 districts of the state to take stock of law and order situation and other administrative issues, PTI quoted sources as saying. The portfolios to the new ministers are likely to be announced soon. (WION)

Prime Minister's Office to keep watch on Yogi Adityanath's govt: Report

<p>Hindu seers and priests today made elaborate arrangements for sacred purifying rituals at the sprawling chief minister&#39;s bungalow in Lucknow which will be the new home for hardline Hindutva mascot Yogi Adityanath.</p>

<p>The five-time MP from Gorakhpur, who was sworn in as the 21st chief minister of Uttar Pradesh yesterday, stayed at the VVIP Guest House overnight and has decided not to enter the bungalow without conducting prayers and purification rituals like &quot;Yagna&quot;.</p>

<p>Even before dawn broke, seven priests from Gorakhpur and Allahabad trooped into the chief minister&#39;s official residence for conducting prayers. Adityanath, 44, was not present during the prayers.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Uttar Pradesh: Purifying rituals performed outside Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath&#39;s residence at 5 Kalidas Marg, Lucknow <a href="https://t.co/O9OJY6TUnr">pic.twitter.com/O9OJY6TUnr</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/843824454773833728">March 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pooja done for 2.5 hrs for purification &amp; destroying &#39;dosh&#39; present here: Narayan Mishra, Priest of Gorakhnath Temple at CM&#39;s residence <a href="https://t.co/D6RZoaZ7dX">pic.twitter.com/D6RZoaZ7dX</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/843808424567570434">March 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We performed greh pravesh pooja &amp; prayed for betterment of state :Rohit Mishra,Priest from Gorakhnath Temple at CM&#39;s residence in Lucknow <a href="https://t.co/yLejjfxVRf">pic.twitter.com/yLejjfxVRf</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/843806724448436225">March 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>The controversial mascot of hardline Hindutva is expected to enter the bungalow only at an auspicious time which is being finalised.</p>

<p>&quot;Aditya Nath Yogi, Chief Minister&quot;&nbsp;says the new nameplate in Hindi outside the 5, Kalidas road bungalow, which was occupied by Akhilesh Yadav for five years before his Samajwadi Party (SP)&nbsp;was trounced by the &quot;saffron tsunami&quot; in the state Assembly elections.</p>

<p>Akhilesh&#39;s father Mulayam Singh Yadav, now SP patron, and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati were among the earlier occupants.</p>

<p>At the main gate, a priest put up the &quot;swastika&quot;&nbsp;sign above the chief minister&#39;s name plate by dipping marigold flower in sandal and haldi paste.</p>

<p>The &quot;swastika&quot;&nbsp;symbol is considered lucky and auspicious and has special significance in &quot;grih pravesh&quot; (house warming) as per the Hindu traditions.</p>

<p>The priest then wrote &quot;Om&quot; and &quot;Shub Laabh&quot; on the imposing gates of the bungalow. &quot;This is a usual ritual worship of Lakshmi-Ganesh before &#39;grih pravesh&#39;,&quot; said one of the priests.</p>

<p>The gates freshly painted in white were decorated with marigold garlands, while the lush green lawns inside the compound embroidered by beds of season flowers in their full bloom, were being given final touches for the new occupant.</p>

<p>Inside the bungalow, the priests made elaborate preparations for &quot;yagna&quot; and &quot;havan&quot;, rituals done in front of sacred fire amid chanting of vedic mantras to purify the place and ward off evil spirits, for the &quot;mahant&quot; of Gorakhnath Mutt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(PTI)</p>


The new chief minister is expected to enter the bungalow only at an auspicious time, which is still being finalised

Hindu seers and priests today made elaborate arrangements for sacred purifying rituals at the sprawling chief minister's bungalow in Lucknow which will be the new home for hardline Hindutva mascot Yogi Adityanath. The five-time MP from Gorakhpur, who was sworn in as the 21st chief minister of Uttar Pradesh yesterday, stayed at the VVIP Guest House overnight and has decided not to enter the bungalow without conducting prayers and purification rituals like "Yagna". Even before dawn broke, seven priests from Gorakhpur and Allahabad trooped into the chief minister's official residence for conducting prayers. Adityanath, 44, was not present during the prayers. Uttar Pradesh: Purifying rituals performed outside Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's residence at 5 Kalidas Marg, Lucknow pic.twitter.com/O9OJY6TUnr — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 20, 2017 × Pooja done for 2.5 hrs for purification & destroying 'dosh' present here: Narayan Mishra, Priest of Gorakhnath Temple at CM's residence pic.twitter.com/D6RZoaZ7dX — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 20, 2017 × We performed greh pravesh pooja & prayed for betterment of state :Rohit Mishra,Priest from Gorakhnath Temple at CM's residence in Lucknow pic.twitter.com/yLejjfxVRf — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 20, 2017 × The controversial mascot of hardline Hindutva is expected to enter the bungalow only at an auspicious time which is being finalised. "Aditya Nath Yogi, Chief Minister" says the new nameplate in Hindi outside the 5, Kalidas road bungalow, which was occupied by Akhilesh Yadav for five years before his Samajwadi Party (SP) was trounced by the "saffron tsunami" in the state Assembly elections. Akhilesh's father Mulayam Singh Yadav, now SP patron, and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati were among the earlier occupants. At the main gate, a priest put up the "swastika" sign above the chief minister's name plate by dipping marigold flower in sandal and haldi paste. The "swastika" symbol is considered lucky and auspicious and has special significance in "grih pravesh" (house warming) as per the Hindu traditions. The priest then wrote "Om" and "Shub Laabh" on the imposing gates of the bungalow. "This is a usual ritual worship of Lakshmi-Ganesh before 'grih pravesh'," said one of the priests. The gates freshly painted in white were decorated with marigold garlands, while the lush green lawns inside the compound embroidered by beds of season flowers in their full bloom, were being given final touches for the new occupant. Inside the bungalow, the priests made elaborate preparations for "yagna" and "havan", rituals done in front of sacred fire amid chanting of vedic mantras to purify the place and ward off evil spirits, for the "mahant" of Gorakhnath Mutt. (PTI)

Priests, seers purify CM's bungalow for Adityanath

<p>Pakistan&#39;s cricketer-turned- politician Imran Khan&#39;s stand on the recently concluded PSL final in Lahore reached Parliament with&nbsp;PML-N lawmaker Mian Javed Latif calling the Pakistani cricket legend a &quot;traitor&quot;.</p>

<p>Mian Javed Latif&#39;s defiant stand led to a heated argument with Murad Saeed who belongs to Imran Khan&#39;s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf. Their argument soon disintegrated into a scuffle which was stopped in time by other lawmakers present in the&nbsp;National Assembly.</p>

<p>The matter did not end there, Saeed kept the issue burning&nbsp;saying&nbsp;PML-N lawmaker had no reason to call Imran Khan a &quot;traitor&quot; and asked the Speaker to take notice.</p>

<p>Not to be undone, PML-N&#39;s Talal Chaudhry accused the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf lawmaker&nbsp;of deliberately creating unpleasant scenes in Parliament.</p>

<p>The controversy<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_VFoCr0bxk"> was ignited yesterday by Imran Khan in a leaked video</a> in which he opposed staging of Sunday&#39;s final of the Pakistan Super League in Lahore.</p>

<p><strong>Watch Video:&nbsp;</strong></p>
<centre><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3_VFoCr0bxk" width="560"></iframe><centre>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The PTI chief&nbsp;wanted the tournament to be played in the UAE citing security reasons. The former World Cup-winning captain went a step further and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/imran-khan-angers-fans-by-calling-darren-sammy-third-class-13151">used derogatory terms against some foreign players in the league namely Darren Sammy of the West Indies calling him &quot;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/imran-khan-angers-fans-by-calling-darren-sammy-third-class-13151">phateechar</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/imran-khan-angers-fans-by-calling-darren-sammy-third-class-13151">&quot;&nbsp;</a>meaning &quot;third class&quot;.</p>

<p>Imran Khan&#39;s leaked video went viral as several Pakistan fans attacked the former cricket captain on social media even though he seemed to take a soft stand publicly&nbsp;on Twitter congratulating Peshawar for winning the final</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to Peshawar Zalmi on winning the PSL final.</p>
&mdash; Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/838462281092583427">March 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>but he soon appeared on a Pakistani news channel and declared, &quot;Sammy was captain but he is not a big player, had Chris Gayle come, had Kevin Pietersen come, I would have said they were big international stars.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several players had in fact backed down from playing in Pakistan. England cricketer Pietersen withdrew from the final over security fears along with other Quetta players Rilee Rossouw from South Africa and England&#39;s Luke Wright and Tymal Mills who also refused to play in Pakistan.</p>

<p>(WION with agency inputs)</p>
</centre></centre>

The choice of Adityanath, an ascetic firebrand with a history of agitation against Muslims, has stunned observers. Here's why

Pakistan's cricketer-turned- politician Imran Khan's stand on the recently concluded PSL final in Lahore reached Parliament with PML-N lawmaker Mian Javed Latif calling the Pakistani cricket legend a "traitor". Mian Javed Latif's defiant stand led to a heated argument with Murad Saeed who belongs to Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf. Their argument soon disintegrated into a scuffle which was stopped in time by other lawmakers present in the National Assembly. The matter did not end there, Saeed kept the issue burning saying PML-N lawmaker had no reason to call Imran Khan a "traitor" and asked the Speaker to take notice. Not to be undone, PML-N's Talal Chaudhry accused the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf lawmaker of deliberately creating unpleasant scenes in Parliament. The controversy was ignited yesterday by Imran Khan in a leaked video in which he opposed staging of Sunday's final of the Pakistan Super League in Lahore. Watch Video: The PTI chief wanted the tournament to be played in the UAE citing security reasons. The former World Cup-winning captain went a step further and used derogatory terms against some foreign players in the league namely Darren Sammy of the West Indies calling him "phateechar" meaning "third class". Imran Khan's leaked video went viral as several Pakistan fans attacked the former cricket captain on social media even though he seemed to take a soft stand publicly on Twitter congratulating Peshawar for winning the final Congratulations to Peshawar Zalmi on winning the PSL final. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 5, 2017 × but he soon appeared on a Pakistani news channel and declared, "Sammy was captain but he is not a big player, had Chris Gayle come, had Kevin Pietersen come, I would have said they were big international stars." Several players had in fact backed down from playing in Pakistan. England cricketer Pietersen withdrew from the final over security fears along with other Quetta players Rilee Rossouw from South Africa and England's Luke Wright and Tymal Mills who also refused to play in Pakistan. (WION with agency inputs)

Hardline priest Yogi Adityanath's elevation a sign Modi is moving toward Hindu India

<p>Five-term Lok Sabha member of parliament (MP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) &nbsp;leader Yogi Adityanath, who was sworn-in as Chief Minister (CM) of Uttar Pradesh Sunday, is a fiery Hindutva mascot and has developed a reputation of being controversy&#39;s favourite child over a period of time.</p>

<p>44-year-old Adityanath, a priest-turned-politician, is known for his provocative speeches and mass following across the state and never shies away from making controversial remarks, be it about Islam or Pakistan.</p>

<p>Clad in his trademark saffron-coloured robe, Aditayanth, a Gorakhpur MP, has been seeking greater power and is expected to give a push to BJP&#39;s Hindutva-wrapped agenda of development with the emergence of a separate powerbase for the party in eastern UP.</p>

<p>Born Ajay Singh, the diminutive shaven headed politician who heads the Gorakhnath Mutt, is known for his powerful oratory, though most of his speeches hinge on divisive lines and has been in the forefront in keeping the communal politics alive in the country.</p>

<p>Adityanath, who is a strong votary of construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya, drove BJP&#39;s Hindutva campaign in eastern UP in the just concluded Assembly polls in the politically crucial state where it won three- fourths majority.</p>

<p>Adityanath has rebelled against his party on several occasions, but because of the sway he holds over the &#39;Hindu&#39; voters, the BJP apparently could not ignore his &quot;leadership qualities&quot;.</p>

<p>He had floated Hindu Yuva Vahini, a right-wing outfit, in 2002. Ever since, the HYV has been largely instrumental in his meteoric rise &mdash;&nbsp;from a student leader to five-time MP.</p>

<p>Right from comparing Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan to Pakistani terrorist Hafiz Saeed during the intolerance debate in 2015, to asking people to leave India if they don&#39;t practice <em>Surya Namaskar</em>&nbsp;(sun salutation, a Hindu&nbsp;ritual or routine) in 2015, the Yogi has been unabashed about his provocative views.</p>

<p>Playing the religious card during the pre-poll campaign, the firebrand leader had said that issues like &quot;love <em>jihad</em>&#39; and &#39;Kairana Hindu&quot;&nbsp;exodus have always been on his party&#39;s agenda.</p>

<p>He had also said that the hurdles on the path of construction of a grand Ram temple will be gradually removed and its work will soon start in Ayodhya.</p>

<p>Born on June 5, 1972, Adityanath was the youngest member of the 12th Lok Sabha at 26. He has been elected as an MP from Gorakhpur Lok Sabha seat in 1998, 1999, 2004, 2009 and 2014 elections.</p>

<p>In 2005, Adityanath allegedly led a &quot;purification drive&quot; which involved the conversion of Christians to Hinduism. In one such instance, 1,800 Christians were reportedly converted to Hinduism in the town of Etah in UP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In January 2007, an altercation involving a Hindu group and Muslims broke out during a Muharram procession in Gorakhpur which led to the hospitalisation of a young Hindu, Raj Kumar Agrahari.</p>

<p>The District Magistrate had made it clear that Adityanath should not visit the site as it may inflame tensions.</p>

<p>He initially agreed but after Agrahari died, he disobeyed the magistrate and travelled to the site with a group of his followers. Adityanath then started a non-violent <em>dharna (</em>peaceful demonstration<em>)&nbsp;</em>on the site.</p>

<p>However, inflammatory speeches were made and some of his followers even set fire to a nearby <em>mazar</em><em> </em>(Muslim mausoleum).</p>

<p>Curfew was imposed by the local police, but Adityanath broke it and was subsequently jailed.</p>

<p>He was arrested and remanded for a fortnight on charges of disturbing peace. His arrest led to further unrest and several coaches of the Mumbai-bound Mumbai-Gorakhpur Godan Express were burnt, allegedly by protesting Hindu Yuva Vahini activists.</p>

<p>The tensions escalated to riots across Gorakhpur leading to the burning of mosques, homes, buses and trains.</p>

<p>During the intolerance debate in the media, Adityanath compared Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan to Pakistani terrorist Hafiz Saeed.</p>

<p>He had said, &quot;Shah Rukh Khan should remember that majority population of the country made him the star, and if they boycott his films, he will also have to wander on streets. It is unfortunate SRK is speaking the same language that of Hafiz Saeed.&quot;</p>

<p>That he is not someone who minces words while expressing himself was manifested when he came out full throttle for yoga in the midst of controversy over the issue saying that those who oppose <em>Surya Namaskar </em>can leave India.</p>

<p>He also made a request that those who see communalism in even Sun God should drown themselves in the sea or live in a dark room for the rest of their lives.</p>

<p>On January 3, 2016, one day after the terror attack on an IAF base in Pathankot, Adityanath blamed the assault on Pakistan, claiming, &quot;The Pathankot attack has once again proved that Satan could change for the better but Pakistan cannot&quot;.</p>

<p>Adityanath has had a chequered relation with the BJP leadership for more than a decade. With the emergence of a separate power base in eastern UP, he has been seeking greater power, causing further conflicts.</p>

<p>In December 2006, Adityanath had organised a three-day Virat Hindu Mahasammelan at Gorakhpur, during the same period when the BJP was holding its National Executive Meet in Lucknow.</p>

<p>The 2007 elections saw a conflict between Adityanath and the BJP leadership - he wanted more than hundred seats in this region to go to candidates selected by him, but the party leadership would not agree.</p>

<p>Subsequently, a compromise agreement was reached, possibly with inputs from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, and eight of his candidates were fielded.</p>

<p>In March 2010, Adityanath was one of several BJP MPs who started defying the party whip on the Women&#39;s Reservation Bill.<br />
<br />
Adityanath is the Mahant (head priest) of the Gorakhnath Mutt, a Hindu temple in Gorakhpur, following the death of his spiritual &quot;father&quot;,&nbsp;Mahant Avaidyanath in September 2014.</p>

<p>Though known more for his rightist Hindu politics, it is to his credit that people in Gorakhpur, especially around the temple, hold him in high esteem irrespective of whichever caste or community they belong to.</p>

<p>Even Muslims around the temple are given &quot;protection&quot; by the Yogi.</p>

<p>Yogi Adityanath comes from a Rajput family. He completed his Bachelor&#39;s Degree in Science from Uttarakhand.</p>

<p>(PTI)</p>


He's expected to give a push to BJP's Hindutva-wrapped agenda of development with the emergence of a separate powerbase in eastern UP

Five-term Lok Sabha member of parliament (MP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Yogi Adityanath, who was sworn-in as Chief Minister (CM) of Uttar Pradesh Sunday, is a fiery Hindutva mascot and has developed a reputation of being controversy's favourite child over a period of time. 44-year-old Adityanath, a priest-turned-politician, is known for his provocative speeches and mass following across the state and never shies away from making controversial remarks, be it about Islam or Pakistan. Clad in his trademark saffron-coloured robe, Aditayanth, a Gorakhpur MP, has been seeking greater power and is expected to give a push to BJP's Hindutva-wrapped agenda of development with the emergence of a separate powerbase for the party in eastern UP. Born Ajay Singh, the diminutive shaven headed politician who heads the Gorakhnath Mutt, is known for his powerful oratory, though most of his speeches hinge on divisive lines and has been in the forefront in keeping the communal politics alive in the country. Adityanath, who is a strong votary of construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya, drove BJP's Hindutva campaign in eastern UP in the just concluded Assembly polls in the politically crucial state where it won three- fourths majority. Adityanath has rebelled against his party on several occasions, but because of the sway he holds over the 'Hindu' voters, the BJP apparently could not ignore his "leadership qualities". He had floated Hindu Yuva Vahini, a right-wing outfit, in 2002. Ever since, the HYV has been largely instrumental in his meteoric rise — from a student leader to five-time MP. Right from comparing Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan to Pakistani terrorist Hafiz Saeed during the intolerance debate in 2015, to asking people to leave India if they don't practice Surya Namaskar (sun salutation, a Hindu ritual or routine) in 2015, the Yogi has been unabashed about his provocative views. Playing the religious card during the pre-poll campaign, the firebrand leader had said that issues like "love jihad' and 'Kairana Hindu" exodus have always been on his party's agenda. He had also said that the hurdles on the path of construction of a grand Ram temple will be gradually removed and its work will soon start in Ayodhya. Born on June 5, 1972, Adityanath was the youngest member of the 12th Lok Sabha at 26. He has been elected as an MP from Gorakhpur Lok Sabha seat in 1998, 1999, 2004, 2009 and 2014 elections. In 2005, Adityanath allegedly led a "purification drive" which involved the conversion of Christians to Hinduism. In one such instance, 1,800 Christians were reportedly converted to Hinduism in the town of Etah in UP. In January 2007, an altercation involving a Hindu group and Muslims broke out during a Muharram procession in Gorakhpur which led to the hospitalisation of a young Hindu, Raj Kumar Agrahari. The District Magistrate had made it clear that Adityanath should not visit the site as it may inflame tensions. He initially agreed but after Agrahari died, he disobeyed the magistrate and travelled to the site with a group of his followers. Adityanath then started a non-violent dharna (peaceful demonstration) on the site. However, inflammatory speeches were made and some of his followers even set fire to a nearby mazar (Muslim mausoleum). Curfew was imposed by the local police, but Adityanath broke it and was subsequently jailed. He was arrested and remanded for a fortnight on charges of disturbing peace. His arrest led to further unrest and several coaches of the Mumbai-bound Mumbai-Gorakhpur Godan Express were burnt, allegedly by protesting Hindu Yuva Vahini activists. The tensions escalated to riots across Gorakhpur leading to the burning of mosques, homes, buses and trains. During the intolerance debate in the media, Adityanath compared Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan to Pakistani terrorist Hafiz Saeed. He had said, "Shah Rukh Khan should remember that majority population of the country made him the star, and if they boycott his films, he will also have to wander on streets. It is unfortunate SRK is speaking the same language that of Hafiz Saeed." That he is not someone who minces words while expressing himself was manifested when he came out full throttle for yoga in the midst of controversy over the issue saying that those who oppose Surya Namaskar can leave India. He also made a request that those who see communalism in even Sun God should drown themselves in the sea or live in a dark room for the rest of their lives. On January 3, 2016, one day after the terror attack on an IAF base in Pathankot, Adityanath blamed the assault on Pakistan, claiming, "The Pathankot attack has once again proved that Satan could change for the better but Pakistan cannot". Adityanath has had a chequered relation with the BJP leadership for more than a decade. With the emergence of a separate power base in eastern UP, he has been seeking greater power, causing further conflicts. In December 2006, Adityanath had organised a three-day Virat Hindu Mahasammelan at Gorakhpur, during the same period when the BJP was holding its National Executive Meet in Lucknow. The 2007 elections saw a conflict between Adityanath and the BJP leadership - he wanted more than hundred seats in this region to go to candidates selected by him, but the party leadership would not agree. Subsequently, a compromise agreement was reached, possibly with inputs from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, and eight of his candidates were fielded. In March 2010, Adityanath was one of several BJP MPs who started defying the party whip on the Women's Reservation Bill. Adityanath is the Mahant (head priest) of the Gorakhnath Mutt, a Hindu temple in Gorakhpur, following the death of his spiritual "father", Mahant Avaidyanath in September 2014. Though known more for his rightist Hindu politics, it is to his credit that people in Gorakhpur, especially around the temple, hold him in high esteem irrespective of whichever caste or community they belong to. Even Muslims around the temple are given "protection" by the Yogi. Yogi Adityanath comes from a Rajput family. He completed his Bachelor's Degree in Science from Uttarakhand. (PTI)

UP CM Yogi Adityanath ? Hindutva mascot and controversy's favourite child

yogi-adityanath

Yogi Adityanath, News on Yogi Adityanath, stories on Yogi Adityanath, articles on Yogi Adityanath, Yogi Adityanath stories at Wion, Yogi Adityanath news, Yogi Adityanath latest news

yogi adityanath