Yogi Adityanath reveals illegal power substations built on mosques in Sambhal
- Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath revealed illegal mini electricity substations operating from mosques in Sambhal.
- The electricity line loss in Sambhal is alarmingly high, surpassing 78%, compared to the state average of less than 30%.
- The revelation led to criticism of opposition parties and discussions about religious and historical identities in the political context.
On December 16, 2024, in Lucknow, India, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the issues of electricity supply and management in the Sambhal district. He stated that illegal mini electricity substations were found operating within mosques and that the power corporation was distributing free connections. Despite the overall line loss for the state being below 30 percent, the losses in the Deepasrai and Mirasrai localities in Sambhal were alarmingly high at 78 and 82 percent, respectively, indicating possible corruption and mismanagement in the power supply system. Yogi Adityanath took the opportunity to criticize the opposition parties, asserting that their accusations against the government lacked truth and were simply aimed at undermining the democratic process. He emphasized that any destabilization around Hindu festivals would be met with a firm response from the administration, asserting the government's commitment to maintaining order and respecting religious festivities. Adityanath stated that the administration's duty was to carry out court orders effectively in the state, particularly in Sambhal. Furthermore, he referenced a historical conflict in the area, mentioning a dispute between Turks and Pathans, and remarked on a former Samajwadi Party MP, Shafiqur Rahman Barq, who he claimed identified not as an Indian citizen but as a descendant of Babur. This statement aimed to evoke a sense of historical identity and allegiance to Indian traditions, emphasizing that the cultural heritage of Ram, Krishna, and Buddha should prevail over that of past invaders. The Chief Minister's remarks reflect a broader political narrative in India, where religious and historical identity play crucial roles in contemporary politics. The revelation of illegal power substations highlights systemic challenges within the state's electricity management and raises concerns about the possible exploitation of resources in a politically sensitive environment. The ongoing political discourse showcases the tension between maintaining administrative integrity amidst accusations, and the struggle for power among various political groups, underlined by accusations of corruption and misappropriation of public resources.