Akhilesh Yadav Questions Yogi Adityanath's Frequent Ayodhya Visits Amid Ram Temple Construction
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday launched a fresh attack on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, questioning the frequency of his visits to Ayodhya in the context of the Ram Temple construction. Yadav alleged that the visits were intended to 'oversee theft' rather than monitor development, a remark that has sparked a political row.
Speaking to reporters in Lucknow, Yadav said, 'Was the Chief Minister setting a record of Ayodhya visits to oversee theft? The people of the state are questioning the motive behind these repeated trips.' He further accused the state government of neglecting infrastructure and basic amenities in Ayodhya despite the massive temple project.
In response, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders dismissed Yadav's comments as baseless and politically motivated. State BJP spokesperson said, 'The Chief Minister's visits are aimed at ensuring the timely completion of the Ram Temple and boosting pilgrimage infrastructure. Akhilesh Yadav's remarks are a sign of his frustration.'
The Ram Temple, being built at the site of the demolished Babri Masjid, is a flagship project of the BJP-led central and state governments. The temple's construction has been a key political issue, with the opposition accusing the government of diverting attention from pressing issues like unemployment and farmer distress.
Ayodhya has seen significant infrastructure development in recent months, including a new airport, railway station, and road widening projects, to accommodate the expected influx of pilgrims. However, local residents and opposition parties have pointed to gaps in basic services like water supply and waste management.
The exchange comes ahead of the upcoming festive season when Ayodhya is expected to see a surge in visitors. Political analysts say the Ram Temple issue continues to dominate the political discourse in Uttar Pradesh, with both the ruling party and opposition using it to score points.
