Muslims are safe only when Hindus are safe: Yogi Adityanath

Adityanath, who is the firebrand Hindutva leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said Muslims are safe but the vote bank politics of leaders like Asaduddin Owaisi is in "danger".

Speaking to Smita Prakash on ANI podcast, Adityanath said, "Muslims are not in danger. Their (Asaduddin Owaisi) vote bank politics is in danger. The day Indian Muslims understand their ancestors, these people will have to pack their bags and leave...Indian Muslims will have to remember that they are safe only when Hindus and Hindu tradition are safe..."

"Before 1947, Pakistan and Bangladesh were a part of India. How can we forget the truth? Isn't there a Hinglaj Mata temple in Pakistan? Isn't there a temple of Mata Dhakeshwari in Bangladesh?..."

Adityanath on Tuesday slammed comedian Kunal Kamra for his 'Gaddar' joke on Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and said freedom of expression cannot be used to mount "personal attacks".

In the interview which was aired on Wednesday morning, Adityanath said, "Unfortunately, some people think it is their birthright to use this freedom to tear the country apart and widen the division."

Meanwhile, Kunal Kamra, who refused to apologise for his remark, has allegedly received death threats from the supporters of Maharashtra Deputy CM-led Shiv Sena faction, media reports said.

Kamra, who is best known for his outspoken nature, targeted Shinde during a comedy show by parodying the 1997 song 'Bholi Si Surat' from 'Dil To Pagal Hai'.

In an indirect sweep, Kamra referred to Shinde as a 'gaddar (traitor), referring to his rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray in 2022, an episode that led to the state government's collapse and the party's split.

Mumbai's Habitat Studio, a popular platform for stand-up comedians in the city, on Monday announced its decision to shut down after Shiv Sena (Shinde) workers vandalised it.