Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav over his recent comments regarding Ayodhya, accusing the opposition party of having a contradictory record on religious matters.
The Chief Minister’s remarks came a day after Akhilesh Yadav stated that, if elected to power, the Samajwadi Party would develop Ayodhya into a globally recognised spiritual destination.
In a post on social media, the SP chief had pledged to transform Ayodhya into a unique and unparalleled sacred city where devotees from around the world could experience spirituality in its true essence.
Responding to the statement while addressing a public gathering in Hathras, Yogi Adityanath questioned the Samajwadi Party’s historical approach towards Ayodhya and religious issues.
The Chief Minister was speaking during an event organised for the inauguration and foundation stone laying of 143 development projects worth ₹548 crore in the district.
Referring to past events, Yogi alleged that leaders associated with the Samajwadi Party had opposed Ram devotees and questioned the party’s commitment to Ayodhya’s religious identity.
He asserted that Ayodhya has undergone significant transformation in recent years and credited the efforts of Ram devotees along with the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for restoring the city’s prominence.
According to the Chief Minister, Ayodhya has emerged as a major global centre of faith and spirituality under the present government. He said the city’s development has strengthened its religious and cultural significance.
Continuing his criticism, Yogi alleged that the previous Samajwadi Party government had adopted policies that were not supportive of certain Hindu religious traditions. He referred to issues related to celebrations of festivals and religious events during earlier administrations.
Highlighting initiatives undertaken by the BJP government, the Chief Minister pointed to the renovation and beautification of temples in Hathras and other parts of the state. He said the current government has prioritised the preservation and development of religious sites.
Yogi further maintained that Ayodhya’s religious identity has been strengthened through extensive infrastructure development aimed at improving facilities for pilgrims and visitors.
He also urged opposition leaders to visit Ayodhya and witness the changes made in the city in recent years.
Expanding his remarks beyond Ayodhya, the Chief Minister referred to other important pilgrimage centres such as Mathura and Vrindavan. He said that those claiming commitment to religious values should also support efforts to honour the birthplace of Lord Krishna.
The Chief Minister stated that the state government is continuously working to upgrade infrastructure and facilities in major pilgrimage centres, including Ayodhya, Mathura and Kashi, with the objective of promoting spiritual tourism and regional development.
Taking another swipe at the opposition, Yogi alleged that the Samajwadi Party lacked a clear development agenda and accused it of practising appeasement politics.
The exchange of statements comes amid growing political activity in Uttar Pradesh, with both the ruling BJP and opposition parties intensifying their outreach efforts ahead of future electoral contests.
