Journalists were under the impression it would be a good idea to question Yogi Adityanath on his participation in the celebration of the Hindu festivals of Holi and Diwali but not of Eid. However, the Chief Minister was blunt in his reply and said that he was a Hindu and has a right to Freedom of Religion as well.

Yogi Adityanath said, “In the past 11 months, I have not stopped anyone from celebrating Eid nor have I stopped them from celebrating Christmas. Everyone expresses faith in their own way. Everyone has the right to Freedom of Religion. At the same time, we also have the right to promote such festivals on the international stage for the purpose of tourism.”

This value which has been upheld by Yogi Adityanath is a reminder of the time in 2011 when then Chief Minister Narendra Modi had refused to wear a skull cap offered by Muslim Cleric during his sadhbhavana fast. When questioned, he had said :

“If by wearing a cap one becomes a symbol of unity then nobody has ever seen Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel and Pandit Nehru wearing this kind of a cap. Actually, a kind of deformity has come in Indian politics where anything can be done for appeasement. My job is to respect all communities, respect the values of all communities but I have to accept my own values. I live with my values. Hence, I don’t bluff people by wearing a cap, or getting clicked. But I believe that if somebody shows disrespect to another person then he should be given the strictest punishment,”

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Yogi Adityanath has gained immense popularity with the people for his flamboyant style of working and the forthrightness with which he answers the media. His responses are always straight to the point and his sharp wit while dealing with journalists has endeared him to large sections of the people. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh is in Mathura ahead of the Holi celebrations this year. He was in the city to review the security arrangements for the festival of colours and visit Sri Krishna Janmasthan Mandir. He shall participate in the celebration of Lathmar Holi at Barsana.