CM: Fake social media a/cs being used to spark caste tensions

Time of India

18-07-2025

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Varanasi: Chief Minister
Yogi Adityanath
on Friday hailed tribal communities as the foundation of Indian civilization and warned against rising attempts to incite caste conflict through fake social media accounts, calling for immediate action to stop such divisive agendas.
Speaking at a seminar on tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda at Vasant Mahila Mahavidyalaya in Varanasi, the CM said those who seek to defame the kanwariyas are the same people who tried to separate the tribal community from India.
Underscoring the importance of social harmony, the CM emphasised that the Kanwar Yatra embodies unity transcending caste, creed and sect. "Today, the yatra is progressing peacefully and with devotion, yet some label it as unruly.
These are the same forces that try to mislead and provoke tribal communities. We must remain alert to such divisive elements," he warned.
"They (divisive elements) conspired at every level to make them fight against India. This is the same community that always insults the faith of India and these are the same people who today want to create a situation of caste conflict by creating fake accounts on social media platforms," Yogi said.
Taking a firm stance against divisive forces, the CM condemned the attempts to fuel caste and communal tensions through fake social media identities. Recalling a specific incident, he said, "A few years ago, there was a case of arson. I had remarked then that such an act likely didn't belong to any particular community. The investigation later confirmed that the person involved was wearing a saffron scarf, but was shouting 'Ya Allah'.
These deceptive individuals must be exposed and excluded from society if we are to protect national unity."
He cited another incident from Jaunpur, where a huge Tazia was constructed in violation of safety norms and came into contact with a high-tension wire, tragically claiming three lives. "Following this, an attempt was made to block roads and create unrest. I instructed the police to take strict action. Those disrupting social harmony must understand that peace and order are paramount," he asserted.
He added that the same forces who spread caste-based hatred online had also tried to provoke tribal communities against the nation. "Such elements must face strict action," he asserted.
Yogi said that tribal society has always been the bedrock of India's Sanatan tradition, highlighting its enduring role in defending the nation and safeguarding cultural values across eras.
He hailed tribal communities as the foundation of Indian civilization and warned against rising attempts to incite caste conflict through fake social media accounts, calling for immediate action to stop such divisive agendas.
Referring to the Ramayan, he said, "When Lord Ram was in exile and mother Sita was abducted, it was the tribal community that stood by him, despite the absence of Ayodhya's army. Similarly, Maharana Pratap reorganised his army in the forests of the Aravalli Range with the support of tribal groups and resisted emperor Akbar. Chhatrapati Shivaji, too, relied on the 'vanvasi' (forest dwellers) society to lay the foundation of the Hindavi Swarajya.
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Yogi hailed Birsa Munda as a key figure of India's national awakening, asserting that tribal communities have consistently played a vital role in protecting India's spiritual and cultural legacy. "While we often associate the struggle for Independence with recent history, the tribal society has been fighting for Sanatan Dharma through every age," he said.
Acknowledging past shortcomings, the CM said previous govts failed to extend governance and essential services to the tribal communities.
"Where communication breaks down, conflict begins," he said, adding, "After 2017, our govt granted revenue village status to tribal villages, places that didn't have voting rights since 1947. We ensured delivery of ration cards, land leases, pensions, and development schemes to tribal regions in Sonbhadra, Chandauli, Mirzapur, and the Terai areas bordering Nepal.
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Describing the tribal society as the true embodiment of India's Sanatan tradition, Yogi said, "Tribal communities live in complete harmony with nature, reflecting the essence of Vedic teachings in their everyday lives.
We often worship trees and rivers, but do not hesitate to exploit or encroach upon them. In contrast, tribal society has lived the message of the Vedas, coexisting with nature rather than exploiting it.
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Yogi emphasized that Indian tradition has never confined Hindu identity to temple visits or scriptural belief. "Both the believer and the non-believer are Hindus. Charvak and Lord Buddha did not accept the Vedas, yet they are deeply respected in our tradition.
Then why question the identity of tribal communities in the context of Hinduism?" he wondered.
Praising PM Narendra Modi for declaring Nov 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (Tribal Pride Day), the CM said the move has instilled a sense of respect and recognition in tribal communities. "They are our original society. Tribal Pride Day is a gesture of gratitude and a bridge of communication with them," he noted.
He added that the state govt has ensured 100% saturation of welfare schemes among marginalised communities, such as the Kol tribe, which is deeply rooted in the legacy of Lord Ram.