The festival of Holi in Uttar Pradesh this year was not just about colors and celebrations—it symbolized a larger narrative of governance, security, and religious harmony under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. In a state long marred by communal tensions, the elaborate security measures ensured a peaceful celebration, particularly in Sambhal, a region historically known for recurring conflicts. The broader question now is whether such proactive measures can set a precedent for the rest of the country, where Hindus often face restrictions during religious celebrations.
While Holi was celebrated with fervour in Uttar Pradesh, the same cannot be said for other states like West Bengal and Kerala, where reports of restrictions and clashes have often surfaced. In West Bengal, under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, the state government has faced repeated criticism for curbing Hindu festivities. The judiciary has intervened multiple times, reversing several government orders perceived as discriminatory against Hindus. A similar scenario has unfolded in Kerala, where the Communist government has been accused of favouring minority appeasement over equal religious rights.
Uttar Pradesh, the country’s most populous state with over 25 crore people, has witnessed a dramatic transformation since Yogi Adityanath took office in 2017. Previous governments under the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) were often accused of favouring minority communities for political gain, sometimes at the expense of the Hindu majority. One of the most glaring instances of this was the firing on Kar Sevaks in Ayodhya under the Samajwadi Party’s founder, Mulayam Singh Yadav, during the Babri Masjid dispute.
The communal fault lines were further exposed on November 24, 2024, when violence erupted during a court-ordered Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) investigation of the 500-year-old Shahi Jama Masjid. The mosque, which is protected as a heritage site, became a flashpoint after claims surfaced that it was built over the ruins of a Hindu temple demolished during the Mughal era.
During a winter session of the Legislative Assembly, Yogi Adityanath highlighted a striking statistic: 209 Hindus had lost their lives in communal riots in Sambhal since 1947. The 1978 riots alone accounted for 184 Hindu casualties, leading to significant demographic shifts. Hindu representation in the town reportedly dropped from 35% to 20% post-riots, with many families forced to migrate due to sustained violence.
Tensions resurfaced during the ASI-led survey when the mosque’s wuzu khana (ablution tank) was drained for investigative purposes. While officials maintained that the step was necessary to determine the depth of the structure, misinformation spread, triggering unrest. The Supreme Court ultimately upheld the state High Court’s decision allowing the survey, dismissing attempts to stall the investigation.
Amidst these developments, an interesting political shift is emerging. The recent Uttar Pradesh assembly bypolls saw BJP securing seven out of nine seats, including wins in minority-dominated constituencies. This suggests that a section of the Muslim community is moving away from the divisive politics of regional parties like the Samajwadi Party and gravitating toward a governance model that promises law and order.
While the heightened security in Sambhal ensured a peaceful Holi, the larger question remains—can this model be replicated across India to ensure equal religious freedoms for all communities? Yogi Adityanath’s governance has undeniably altered the discourse on religious rights and security. However, the true test will be whether this transformation can sustain itself beyond festival periods and create a long-term environment where religious harmony is not just enforced but embraced.
As the political and social landscape evolves, one thing is certain: the conversation around Hindu rights, communal harmony, and governance is far from over.
