Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Opposition over its criticism of the alleged embezzlement of donations meant for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, accusing rival parties of suddenly invoking Lord Ram despite having opposed the temple movement in the past.
Addressing a public gathering in Rampur after inaugurating and laying the foundation stones of 102 development projects worth over ₹690 crore, Adityanath said the Congress and the Samajwadi Party were displaying "newfound" devotion to Lord Ram for political reasons.
Referring to the Opposition's recent criticism of the BJP over the alleged financial irregularities surrounding temple donations, the Chief Minister questioned their credibility. "Who is advocating devotion to Lord Ram today? The very people who before 2017 ordered lathi-charges on those raising the slogan 'Jai Shri Ram'. When Ram devotees proclaimed 'Ram Lalla Hum Aayenge, Mandir Wahin Banayenge', they were met with bullets. Today, the same people are speaking in the name of faith."
Adityanath argued that the growing public support for the Ram Temple and the BJP had compelled Opposition parties to alter their political stance. "They must now be regretting their past actions. The Samajwadi Party was on the wrong path. The Congress had even questioned the very existence of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna before 2017, but today it says Lord Ram belongs to everyone. Now they are all eager to visit Ayodhya."
His remarks came as the Congress planned a visit to Ayodhya amid the ongoing controversy over alleged irregularities in the management of donations made to the Ram Temple. The party has accused the BJP of betraying the faith of devotees over the alleged misappropriation of funds.
The planned visit, however, ran into controversy after Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai claimed he had been placed under house arrest in Ayodhya. There was no immediate confirmation from the Ayodhya Police regarding the allegation.
During his address, the Chief Minister also invoked the Ramayana, saying that devotion to Lord Ram symbolised strength and resilience. "There is no need to worry. Their (Opposition's) frustration stems from seeing Ayodhya transformed into a beautiful city. Having failed to stop these developments, they are now resorting to falsehoods because the people have already taught them a lesson."
Shifting focus to development, Adityanath highlighted what he described as the transformation of Rampur since the BJP came to power in Uttar Pradesh in 2017. Without naming Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, the Chief Minister alleged that the district had once suffered from misgovernance and injustice. "Compare the Rampur before 2017 with the Rampur of today. There was a time when the poor were dispossessed of their land and members of the Valmiki community were denied their rights."
He said the electorate had rejected that model of governance and embraced development. "When a government becomes arbitrary, it turns into a symbol of injustice. The people of Rampur sent a message by overthrowing that regime, and today the district is moving on the path of development with new projects and a renewed focus on its heritage."
