Adityanath defends UP's bulldozer action, says it was necessity

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday defended his administration's warning to Muslims against offering namaz on streets, saying roads are meant for the movement of traffic.In an interview with news agency PTI, the BJP leader told Muslims to learn religious discipline from Hindus who took part in the massive Maha Kumbh Mela without any incident of crime, destruction or harassment."Sixty-six crore people arrived in Prayagraj. There was no robbery, destruction of property, arson, or abduction. This is called religious discipline. If you want benefits, you should also follow discipline," Adityanath said.
The BJP leader rejected the criticism of any discrimination against Muslims, a charge he often faces due to his hardline Hindutva views and image.He said Muslims constitute 20 per cent of Uttar Pradesh's population, but their share is 35-40 per cent among the beneficiaries of government welfare schemes.Asked if his response meant that politics was not his permanent occupation, Adityanath reiterated, "Yes, that is what I am saying." "If politics is driven by self-interest, it will create problems. But if it is for the greater good, it will provide solutions. We have to choose between being part of the problem or the solution, and I believe this is what religion also teaches us. "When religion is pursued for self-interest, it creates new challenges. However, when one dedicates themselves to a higher purpose, it opens up new avenues for progress.""For me, the nation is paramount. If the country is safe, my religion is safe. When religion is secure, the path to welfare automatically opens."
Adityanath dismissed reports about differences between him and BJP's central leaders, noting that he is in the chief minister's chair because of the party. "Can I remain in the chair by having differences with the party's central leaders," Adityanath asked, adding that he cannot shut the mouth of anyone stoking speculation about such differences.
On the ongoing Waqf board issue, Adityanath said the Waqf boards have become a den of selfish interests as well as "loot khasot" (property grabbing), and have done little for the welfare of Muslims. Citing examples of charity in fields like education and health by Hindu temples and mutts, he asked if the Waqf board has done any welfare work like this despite having enough properties. "Forget about the entire society; have Waqf properties been used for any welfare of Muslims?" he asked. Adityanath said "bulldozer justice model", which is now being adopted by other states as a show of justice despite frequent questions over its legality, was a necessity rather than an achievement. He claimed that none of the adverse Supreme Court observations against bulldozer action relates to his state, adding the apex court has in fact appreciated the guidelines adopted by Uttar Pradesh.