Adityanath made the remarks while flagging off the UP-Delhi Shri Tegh Bahadur Sandesh Yatra from his Lucknow residence, marking the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Tegh BahadurChief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday termed illegal religious conversions a “calculated conspiracy to undermine the nation’s identity and social fabric,” asserting that the Uttar Pradesh government is taking firm action to curb the menace.Adityanath made the remarks while flagging off the UP-Delhi Shri Tegh Bahadur Sandesh Yatra from his Lucknow residence, marking the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur.“Some forces are deliberately trying to alter the fundamental character of the country through unlawful conversions. This is an attack on social cohesion and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances,” said the CM.The Chief Minister highlighted that marginalised communities, particularly Scheduled Castes, are being “lured, or coerced” into changing religion, stressing such acts violate the spirit of the Constitution and the principle social equality.Adityanath spoke about an alleged conversion racket busted by the UP ATS in Balrampur, where mastermind Jalaluddin alias Chhangur Baba purportedly set “pre-determined rates” for conversions. “Over Rs 100 crore was transacted across 40 accounts,” the CM said, calling this a “grave threat to economic and social security.”Adityanath said that the 350-year-old legacy of martyrdom is being revived through this yatra, serving as a powerful reminder of the oppressive era under Aurangzeb’s rule. He noted that the Mughal ruler sought to suppress Sanatan Dharma and impose Islamic dominance.“In the face of tyranny, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji chose martyrdom over compromise, standing firm on the path of righteousness. Such conspiracies have been attempted before and will continue to surface, but we must remain vigilant and united,” he said.Story continues below this adThe CM welcomed and honoured the Sandesh Yatra by showering flower petals. The Yatra, which commenced from Lucknow, will pass through Kanpur, Etawah, and Agra before culminating at Chandni Chowk and the historic Sis Ganj Gurudwara in Delhi—the site of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom.Referring to national celebrations such as the 550th Prakash Parv and the Veer Bal Diwas, the CM acknowledged the Centre’s efforts to elevate these observances to national prominence.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:forced conversionYogi Adityanath