Operation Sindoor inspired by Ahilyabai Holkar: CM Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said India's strong retribution through Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror attack was inspired by the principles of self-defence espoused by Maratha ruler Ahilyabai Holkar when protecting the nation.

Similarly, he said, the BJP-led "double-engine" government was following the path of good governance shown by her in carrying out development and public welfare works, various women empowerment schemes and restoration of temples in Uttar Pradesh.

The chief minister was addressing a programme held here to mark the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar, who ruled the Malwa region in the 18th century.

"Today, when India conducts surgical strikes, the Indian armed forces carry out airstrikes, when after the Pahalgam terror attack, India hits back at Pakistan which nurtures terrorists.

"When under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the brave Indian jawans destroyed the air defence system of Pakistan through Operation Sindoor... compelled the enemy to bow, it was inspired by the actions and principles of self-defence that the Lokmata espoused during her reign," Adityanath said.

Throwing light on the life of Ahilyabai Holkar, the chief minister said, "During the Mughal period, when foreign invaders destroyed and corrupted the symbols of India's identity and faith, especially the temples, Devi Ahilyabai did the great work of their revival two and a half centuries ago." Adityanath started his speech by addressing Agra as 'Brajbhoomi' and described it as a historical land that was graced by Lord Krishna's presence.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, his wife Sudesh Dhankhar and Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya in Agra are among those present at the function.

Adityanath said that when a society takes inspiration from its national icons, no force can become an obstacle in its path. "The great personality of Lokmata Ahilyabai is a living example of this," he said.

Her work for women, craftsmen, artisans, farmers, youth and the cultural heritage of India is unforgettable.

She renovated many religious places including Puri's Jagannath Temple, Gaya Temple, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Kedarnath Dham, Mahakal Temple, Omkareshwar Temple, Somnath Temple, Bhimashankar Temple and Rameswaram Temple "with her personal funds instead of using state assets", the chief minister said.

She lived for only 70 years, but her personality remains a beacon of inspiration, Adityanath said.

Hitting out at the previous government, Adityanath said that earlier some people used to "nurture mafias" which created problems for law and order.

"In the past, some people used to change the name of the degree college built in her (Holkar's) name, but we are honouring her legacy," Adityanath said.

"Today the double-engine government has named the medical college in Auraiya after Lokmata, " he said.