Adityanath stokes fresh controversy

Upping the Hindutva ante, BJP’s Gorakhpur MP Yogi Adityanath said in a TV programme that the majority community will reply "in the same language" if it faces attacks, kidnapping or forcible conversions.

"We want you (minorities) not to kill anybody and live peacefully and concentrate on progress. If you (minorities) stay in peace, we will live in peace. If you concentrate on progress, we will help you more for progress," Adityanath said at an Aap Ki Adaalat episode on India TV.

He made it clear that his attitude will depend on the prevailing conditions: "If the other side does not stay in peace, we will teach them how to stay in peace...in the language that they understand."

He also defended conversion to Hinduism and said, "If a Muslim or a Christian returns to Hinduism, then it is homecoming."