UP CM alleges SP, Congress allowed namaz at Ayodhya temple; demands apology

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, during a visit to Ayodhya on Friday, accused the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress of disrespecting Hindu faith by allegedly allowing namaz to be offered at the Hanumangarhi temple. He demanded an apology from both parties for what he termed a 'sin'.

Addressing a public event in the Bikapur Assembly constituency, Mr. Adityanath said, 'These people had namaz offered at Hanumangarhi, but can the SP, Congress, or any other government have the Hanuman Chalisa recited at Jama Masjid? If they cannot, then why did they commit the sin of having namaz offered on the steps of Hanumangarhi?'

The Chief Minister was inaugurating and laying foundation stones for 217 development projects worth over ₹432 crore. This was his first visit to Ayodhya since an episode involving alleged embezzlement of donations.

Mr. Adityanath also criticised previous governments for neglecting Ayodhya's development, particularly in terms of roads, electricity, and water. He credited his own government and the BJP for transforming Ayodhya into a 'Solar City' and establishing it as the 'cultural capital of Sanatan Dharma'. He highlighted the construction of ghats, an international airport named after Maharshi Valmiki, and other facilities.

The CM targeted the SP and Congress, accusing them of misleading the public and opposing Ayodhya's progress. He announced that the Gram Panchayat Khirauni-Suchittaganj would be renamed after Maa Jwala Devi, and Bhadarsa Nagar Panchayat would be renamed Bharatpur Bharatkund, referencing alleged misconduct by an SP chairman in Bhadarsa.

The event drew political reactions, with opposition parties expected to respond to the Chief Minister's allegations. The claims regarding namaz at Hanumangarhi have been a recurring political issue in the region.