A fresh political and religious controversy has erupted after Jagadguru Swami Ramabhadracharya referred to Western Uttar Pradesh as “Mini Pakistan,” citing concerns over demographic changes and alleged threats to Hindu safety and culture. Supporting him, Swami Chakrapani claimed that Hindus in areas with lower population density face increasing insecurity, linking the issue to incidents of alleged “love jihad” and social tensions. However, the remarks have drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders and Muslim clerics. They argue that such statements incite communal disharmony and question the effectiveness of the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, especially since law and order is touted as one of its strongest pillars. Critics further condemned the comparison of Indian regions to Pakistan, arguing it insults Indian citizens and fuels divisive ideology. Maulana Sajid Rashidi and others emphasized that citizens of all religions contribute to India’s fabric, and rising Muslim populations in certain regions should not be seen as a threat. Ramabhadracharya’s controversial comments on Manusmriti and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar have also added fuel to the fire. While some see his remarks as a genuine concern about cultural preservation, others believe they reflect a broader ideological push to polarize society ahead of elections.
