Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has stirred debate with remarks addressing ongoing temple-mosque disputes.

Speaking at an event in Prayagraj on Friday (January 10), he asserted that any disputed structure should not be referred to as a mosque, The Indian Express reported.

“Any disputed structure should not be called a mosque. The day we stop calling it a mosque, people will stop going there. Hurting anyone’s faith by constructing a mosque-like structure does not align with Islamic principles, worship at such sites is not acceptable to God too. Islam does not mandate the construction of a structure for worship, but Sanatan Dharma does,” the newspaper quoted Adityanath as saying.

His comments come against the backdrop of the Supreme Court's directives barring fresh legal challenges to ownership of religious sites under the Places of Worship Act, as well as ongoing debates on the matter.

Adityanath also addressed claims regarding the Maha Kumbh being held on Waqf Board land. He dismissed such assertions, emphasizing that the site in Prayagraj has hosted the event for thousands of years.

The Chief Minister outlined amendments requiring historical verification of Waqf Board land claims, asserting that any discrepancies would lead to reclaiming such lands.

He stressed that properties of public use, Hindu religious significance, or government ownership would not be allowed to fall into unauthorized hands.

Referring to the Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Adityanath cited historical and religious texts to question its legitimacy. He claimed the structure was built in 1526 by demolishing a Shri Hari Vishnu temple, as noted in the Ain-i-Akbari, and called for its return to the Hindu community as a gesture of reconciliation.

“This country will not function under the mindset of the Muslim League, but in alignment with the faith and cultural ethos of India,” he said.