Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday strongly condemned the glorification of historical invaders, calling it an "act of treason" that India cannot accept. Addressing an event in Bahraich, he emphasized that honoring invaders is an insult to India's great leaders and a threat to the nation's cultural heritage.

#WATCH | Bahraich: Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath says, "...No invader should be glorified. Glorifying the invader means strengthening the foundation of treason and independent India cannot accept any such traitor who insults the great men of India, glorifies those invaders.… pic.twitter.com/WiHTyXDlP1

— ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2025

‘New India Won't Accept It’

CM Yogi stated, “No invader should be glorified. Glorifying the invader means strengthening the foundation of treason. Independent India cannot accept any traitor who insults our great men. Today’s new India is not ready to accept it.”

He further stressed that the government is dedicated to preserving India’s heritage with pride. “Our pride connects with heritage, and heritage connects with development,” he added.

Context: Aurangzeb Row and VHP Protests

The statement comes amid growing demands for the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s grave in Khuldabad. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has staged protests at government offices, citing Aurangzeb’s historical actions, including the killing of Sikh Guru Gobind Singh’s sons and the demolition of temples in Kashi, Mathura, and Somnath.

‘Sanatan Culture Cannot Be Crushed’

CM Yogi further remarked that “New India can never accept those who crushed Sanatan culture. Praising any invader means strengthening the base of treason.” His remarks highlight the ongoing cultural and historical debates surrounding India’s past and efforts to redefine its heritage.

With rising tensions over historical narratives, the Uttar Pradesh government has reiterated its stance on preserving and honoring India’s traditional legacy while rejecting any attempts to glorify figures associated with historical oppression.