Akhilesh Yadav Pledges to Transform Ayodhya Into 'Siyaram-Dham' Amid Donation Row

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday promised to develop Ayodhya into an exemplary religious city, which he called 'Siyaram-Dham', if his party is voted to power in Uttar Pradesh. The pledge comes amid a controversy over the alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

In a post on social media platform X, Yadav said, 'With devotion and integrity, we take this pledge that by forming a new government, we will develop Ayodhya into a peerless and exemplary religious city, where devotees from across the world will experience the unparalleled essence of true spirituality.'

The SP is the principal opposition party in Uttar Pradesh, where assembly elections are due early next year. The donation controversy gained traction after opposition parties raised questions about the handling of funds collected for the Ram Temple construction. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has denied any wrongdoing.

On Friday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath warned the SP and its INDIA bloc ally Congress not to 'test the patience of Ram bhakts' (devotees of Lord Ram). The statement further escalated political tensions in the state.

Akhilesh Yadav's announcement appears aimed at countering the BJP's narrative on the Ram Temple, which has been a core issue for the ruling party. The SP chief emphasized that his vision for Ayodhya would focus on true spirituality and inclusiveness, without specifying details.

Political analysts view the move as an attempt by the SP to reclaim the religious discourse in the state ahead of the elections. The Ram Temple issue has traditionally favored the BJP, but the donation controversy has given opposition parties an opening to question the temple's management.