Why didn't your parents name you 'Ravan or Duryodhan': Yogi Adityanath to critics on row over 'Prayagraj'

UP CM has slammed those criticising the move to change Allahabad's name to Prayagraj.

HARIDWAR: Justifying the move to change Allahabad's name to `Prayagraj`, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said that the new name of the holy city holds great significance and connect all with the glorious ancient tradition of the country.

"When I changed the name of Allahabad, some people raised question over it. Some also said what is there in the name. So, I said why didn`t their parents named them as `Raavan` and `Duryodhan` in that case. In this country, the name holds a lot of significance. In this country, maximum names are related to Ram's and in scheduled caste, most people have attached Ram with their names. The name connects us with our glorious tradition," the Chief Minister said.

The monk-politician made these remarks while addressing a gathering on the second day of the Gyan Kumbh here. 

During his speech, the Chief Minister also pointed out that his government has vastly improved the law and order situation in the state.

"We brought crime under control, broke the spine of organised crime. No kidnapping can take place, no riots can happen, festivals are being celebrated peacefully," he said.

Shifting his focus to the ongoing row over Delhi's prestigious Jawahar Lal Nehru University, the Chief Minister criticised the higher education institute for allegedly harbouring anti-national people.

"Can anyone imagine that in a university being run by Indian taxpayers` money, the slogans of dividing India would be raised? When the whole country celebrates Durga Puja with devotion, then attempts are being made to mark Hirankashyap`s anniversary in that university. When During Vijay Dashmi, the country celebrates the euphoric win of Lord Ram, the people in that university attempt to glorify Raavana. Have we ever thought about how did this situation arise?" he asked.

Adityanath also lamented that demanding proof of the existence of Lord Ram is nothing but a travesty of our education system.

"We are asked about giving proof of Lord Ram. There could not be the worst example of the bad state of education when people start demanding the proof of the symbol of our own religion. The evidence is still there and we have also provided them with that. Still, there is some hesitation in taking a decision, which means that it is not about evidence but there is some other issue, a solution of which the people have to find by themselves," he asserted.

In a veiled reference to the ongoing Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid case, Aditynath had said that the wishes of scores of Hindu devotees of building a Ram Temple in Ayodhya will soon come true after Diwali. 

Although no official announcement has been made, the BJP sources have claimed that the UP government plans to construct a grand Ram statue in Ayodhya very soon.