New Delhi [India], March 29 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday linked Hinduism with nationalism, adding that Hinduism is closely tied to one's nationality.

Speaking at the TV9 Bharatvarsh Satta Sammelan, Yadav said that much like how people living in America are called Americans or those living in Russia are called Russians, and he proudly declared himself a Hindu and wondered what was wrong with that.

'Hindutva means nationalism. We are proud that we are Hindus. Nationalism and Hindutva are the same. If anyone challenges our nation, then how will we leave them? People living in America are called Americans, people living in Russia are called Russians, and similarly, people living here in Hindustan will be Hindu. Yes, I am proud that I'm a Hindu. What is wrong with it?' said CM Yadav.

Yadav also expressed his hopes for the future of Hindu temples in India. He was thrilled that the Lord Ram Temple in Ayodhya is nearing completion and was optimistic that the Lord Krishna temple in Mathura would soon follow suit.

'It feels great that Lord Ram resides on the bank of River Saryu, and if the almighty wishes, then Lord Krishna will soon also reside in Mathura in the coming time. I respect the court, it picked up the matter of Lord Ram (referring to the decision about Ayodhya Ram temple) as well. It is the Congress that spoils the matter. If Lord Krishna was not born in Mathura, then where else? I believe the Judicial system knows, and it will answer based on the evidence, and we are also waiting for the same,' the CM said.

In addition to discussing Hindu temples, Yadav highlighted the importance of the Vedic clock installed in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of Vedic calculations in determining the accuracy of Muhurta, a sacred time slot in Hindu astrology.

He highlighted that their culture is deeply rooted in Navgrah Rachna, where no worship begins without Navgrah Pujan. 'Even 5 thousand years ago, we have been calculating time with this. The city of Mahakaal is the city of time calculation. The accuracy of Muhurta will be only through Vedic calculation,' said the MP CM.

The Chief Minister proudly noted that the city of Mahakaal is renowned for its expertise in time calculation, further underscoring the significance of Vedic calculations in determining Muhurta accuracy.

Yadav has been facing criticism from the opposition, who accuse him of being anti-Muslim. However, Yadav has countered these claims, saying he has many childhood friends from the Muslim community.

'I have many such childhood friends. I can count fifty names. They come to my place to celebrate Diwali. I go to their place. It is the media that raises such issues. We will eat sweets in their house; if we do not eat non-veg, then how can we eat it?' said Yadav.

Regarding the issue of offering namaaz on the road, Yadav compared it to people covering their houses during Holi celebrations in Indore.

'When colors are played in Indore, people cover their houses. What is wrong with this? In the rainy season, people wear raincoats; will this be stopped?' He questioned why similar precautions could not be taken during Muslim prayers.

Yadav attributed the controversy surrounding his alleged anti-Muslim stance to media sensationalism. He emphasised that his government will operate in accordance with the law, ensuring that everyone's feelings are respected during festivals.

For instance, he suggested that meat shops should remain closed during Navratri due to food safety laws and that vegetarian individuals' feelings should also be considered.

'Why should any material be kept in the open? The government will run as per the law. Action will be taken against those who do not follow the rules. Everyone's feelings should be taken care of during the festival. The feelings of vegetarian people should also be taken care of. What is wrong in this?' asked the MP CM.

Additionally, the Chief Minister spoke about the upcoming Simhastha 2028 to be held in Ujjain and said that it would be amazing.

'I can say that the Simhastha 2028 which will be organised during the tenure of our government in Ujjain, will be held such that it will break records till date. There will be no irregularity in organising the event,' he added.

Simhastha is a Hindu religious Mela held every 12 years in the Ujjain district of Madhya Pradesh. It is also known as the Ujjain Simhastha Kumbh, and the previous Simhastha was held in 2016. (ANI)