Bijnor: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday strongly reaffirmed the cultural and spiritual significance of the cow in Indian civilization, asserting that the animal occupies a sacred place in Sanatan tradition and does not require any formal declaration to be respected as the nation’s “Rashtra Mata” (Mother of the Nation).
Addressing a large public gathering at Alampur Gavadi village in Bijnor’s Afzalgarh area, the chief minister distributed land ownership documents to 1,645 Hindu families displaced from Pakistan, as well as 50 ex-servicemen. The initiative is expected to benefit nearly 8,000 to 10,000 people and is being seen as a major step toward securing the rights and livelihoods of families who have spent decades waiting for legal recognition and stability.
During his address, CM Adityanath responded to recent demands from certain clerics and organizations, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind president Maulana Arshad Madani, who had called for the cow to be declared India’s national animal. The chief minister maintained that the cow’s revered status in Hindu society transcends official recognition.
“The cow is our mother. She is not merely an animal. We have always regarded Gau Mata with the highest respect. She is already our ‘Rashtra Mata’ and does not need any formal declaration,” Adityanath said. He emphasized that the relationship between Hindus and the cow is rooted in centuries of faith, culture, and tradition.
The chief minister also questioned what he described as contradictions in the positions taken by some groups demanding special recognition for the cow while allegedly supporting practices that hurt Hindu sentiments. He remarked that India’s civilizational values did not require validation from outsiders and stressed that reverence for the cow has always been an integral part of the country’s cultural identity.
Referring to social media activity during the recent Eid-ul-Azha festival, Adityanath warned against any actions that could disturb communal harmony or violate laws related to cow protection in Uttar Pradesh. He reiterated his government’s commitment to enforcing the law strictly and ensuring that those involved in illegal activities face appropriate consequences.
The chief minister also expressed concern over the treatment of Hindus in neighbouring countries, particularly Bangladesh, and criticized what he viewed as a lack of strong voices condemning violence against minority Hindu communities. He stated that India must remain vigilant in protecting its national interests and social harmony.
Touching upon law and order, Adityanath referred to a recent murder case in Ghaziabad and underscored the importance of maintaining discipline and accountability in society. Drawing inspiration from the teachings of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna, he said that firmness against wrongdoing is essential to safeguard innocent citizens and uphold justice.
The event, however, was not limited to political or cultural issues. A significant focus remained on the welfare of displaced Hindu families. Adityanath highlighted that many of these families had lived for years without clear ownership rights despite residing in the state for decades. The distribution of land ownership documents, he said, reflected the government’s determination to provide dignity, security, and opportunities to those who had been neglected in the past.
The chief minister also criticized previous governments, particularly the Congress and the Samajwadi Party, accusing them of failing to address the concerns of displaced families despite having multiple opportunities to do so.
Highlighting development achievements in Bijnor, CM Yogi pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects, including the construction of a medical college, highway expansion, railway development, and transparent recruitment drives in the police force. He said that thousands of young people from the district had secured employment through merit-based recruitment processes.
“Today, deserving candidates are getting opportunities without discrimination. Transparency and merit have become the foundation of recruitment,” he said.
