Halal, Sattvic, Jain Food: Faith or Fear? The Politics Behind Yogi Adityanath’s Halal Remark

October 24, 2025 3 min read Amana Begam Ansari, communal politics, halal ban, India 2025, political Islam, religion and politics, Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s halal remark 2025 has reignited a national debate over faith, food, and politics. During an election rally, Adityanath linked halal certification to terrorism and religious conversion, calling it a “weapon against society.” His statement has been sharply criticised for turning a dietary and faith-based practice into a political flashpoint.

Halal is a centuries-old Islamic dietary practice that defines what is permissible to eat. It is no different from Hindus consuming sattvic food or Jains avoiding meat. Yet, by associating halal with terrorism, the Chief Minister’s remarks transform a private act of faith into a matter of public suspicion.

The Nature of Halal Certification

Halal certification is not a secretive network; it is a religious assurance, often provided by private organisations, confirming that food or products comply with Islamic law. Many companies use it for marketing to Muslim consumers domestically and internationally. The idea that a Rs 25,000 crore halal industry funds terrorism lacks evidence or credible sources. If there are illegal activities anywhere—Muslim or otherwise—the state must investigate and take action. Criminalising an entire practice or community, however, undermines the constitutional principle of equality.

Turning Faith Into a Political Tool

What is striking about Yogi’s speech is not the claim itself but its intent. By calling halal a “threat,” the message subtly signals that everyday Muslim practices are political and potentially dangerous. This approach deepens communal divisions and shifts governance from justice and equity toward identity-based politics.

The chief minister’s remarks also echo a broader political narrative that ties “love jihad,” “conversion,” and “political Islam” together under one banner. Instead of focusing on verified issues or reforms, such rhetoric converts religious identity into a political weapon.

The Larger Message

Yogi’s claim that “political Islam dealt a greater blow to Sanatana than colonialism” oversimplifies centuries of history. Social reform, cultural exchange, and colonial exploitation cannot be reduced to one community’s actions. Statements like these not only distort historical context but also divide present-day India into opposing camps of “us versus them.”

Leadership should aim to unite citizens, not single out communities. True justice lies in protecting every citizen’s right to faith and expression, not in politicising religious practices.

Beyond Faith: Toward Fairness

India’s diversity is its strength. Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Sikhs, and Christians follow distinct dietary and cultural codes, yet coexist within one democratic framework. If the government is genuinely concerned about unregulated certification, the solution lies in regulation and transparency, not in bans or inflammatory rhetoric.

The halal debate is not about food; it is about identity, belonging, and the dangerous ease with which politics can turn faith into fear.

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