Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP), accusing it of hypocrisy over its criticism of the alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Speaking at Panchayat Aaj Tak, Yogi said those who had once “fired on Ram devotees” were now speaking about faith, while defending his government’s action in the temple donation case.
The Chief Minister’s remarks came amid an ongoing political debate over the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Mandir, an issue that has triggered sharp exchanges between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition.
‘They fired on Ram devotees’
Addressing the event, Yogi Adityanath referred to the 1990 police firing on karsevaks during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement under the then Samajwadi Party government.
“Those who fired on Ram devotees are today talking about faith,” the Chief Minister said while questioning the opposition’s criticism of the alleged donation theft at the temple.
He argued that the Samajwadi Party had no moral authority to lecture others on religious matters, given its past actions during the Ayodhya movement.
Defends government’s response to donation theft
Yogi acknowledged that reports of alleged irregularities involving Ram temple donations had hurt the sentiments of devotees but stressed that the state government had acted swiftly.
He said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) had investigated the matter and arrests had already been made against those found involved. According to the Chief Minister, action was being taken against the accused, and it was unfair to tarnish the reputation of the entire Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust because of the alleged misconduct of a few individuals.
The Chief Minister maintained that accountability would be ensured through the ongoing legal process.
Fresh political attack on opposition
Yogi also accused the Samajwadi Party and the Congress of disrespecting Hindu religious sentiments.
During his address, he alleged that during previous administrations, namaz had been allowed at Hanuman Garhi in Ayodhya. Referring to the issue, he questioned what he described as the opposition’s “selective secularism” and criticised what he called appeasement politics.
His remarks are part of a series of statements made over the past few days in which he has repeatedly targeted opposition parties on issues linked to Ayodhya, religion and cultural heritage.
Political row intensifies
The alleged Ram temple donation theft has become a major political flashpoint in Uttar Pradesh.
While opposition parties have demanded greater transparency and accountability regarding the management of temple donations, the BJP has accused its rivals of attempting to defame Ayodhya and undermine public faith.
The state government has reiterated that investigations are underway and that those responsible will face legal action regardless of their position.
Conclusion
Yogi Adityanath’s latest remarks have intensified the political battle over the Ram temple donation controversy. By invoking the 1990 Ayodhya firing incident while defending his government’s handling of the alleged theft case, the Chief Minister sought to counter opposition criticism and reinforce the BJP’s stance on issues relating to faith and the Ram Mandir. As investigations continue, the issue is expected to remain at the centre of political discourse in Uttar Pradesh.