Overview
- Speaking in Gorakhpur, the Chief Minister said ‘political Islam’ has dealt the greatest blow to Sanatan Dharma and warned it seeks demographic change.
- Adityanath urged consumers to avoid halal-certified products and alleged about Rs 25,000 crore from certification is diverted to terrorism, conversions and ‘love jihad’, claims reported as his assertions.
- He linked the issue to enforcement by citing the Balrampur case of Jalaluddin alias Chhangur Baba, saying police tracked him for years before an arrest for alleged conversion activities.
- Opposition leaders, including UP Congress chief Ajay Rai and Samajwadi Party figures, accused the government of polarising voters and deflecting from employment and investment concerns, with some calling it election messaging.
- Uttar Pradesh’s Food Safety notification of November 18, 2023 bans halal-labelled food products within the state except for exports, and multiple petitions challenging the order are pending before the Supreme Court.