Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, addressing the Nari Shakti Vandan programme in Gorakhpur, emphasised the importance of the cow and posed a controversial question about whether those who eat cow meat drink pig milk. He highlighted women's respect and Prime Minister Modi's schemes. He also accused SP and Congress of being anti-women.
At the Yogiraj Baba Gambhirnath Prakashagruh in Gorakhpur on April 22, 2026, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed women as the chief guest at the Nari Shakti Vandan programme. He described the cow as divine, noting that people worldwide drink cow milk regardless of their regard for it. He questioned, "They must drink cow milk, right? Do those who eat cow drink pig milk? No, everyone drinks cow milk."
Yogi cited examples like 'Radhe-Radhe' in Mathura-Vrindavan, 'Har-Har Mahadev' in Kashi, and the Ganga addressed as mother, illustrating the importance of maternal power. He stated that every child drinks mother's milk, a divine gift from nature.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao', Matru Vandana Yojana, and Indradhanush vaccination drive, he stressed protecting and empowering girls. He mentioned pre-2017 fears in western UP where girls dreaded school, with the slogan 'Dekho Sapai beti ghabarai'.
Yogi accused SP and Congress of being anti-women, adding that under the BJP government, girls are now safe and no longer need to be sent to relatives for education.