‘Apologise before Ram Temple visit’: UP CM Yogi tells Akhilesh over 1990 firing as SP chief plans Ayodhya trip
New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday took aim at Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav over his proposed visit to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, saying he should apologise to Ram devotees and saints before offering prayers at the shrine. His remarks came amid an announcement that Akhilesh and his wife, Dimple Yadav, would visit Ayodhya on December 12.
Addressing the 10th edition of Deepotsav in Ayodhya, Adityanath referred to the 1990 police firing on kar sevaks during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, when Mulayam Singh Yadav was the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
“Those who had neglected and insulted (Ayodhya), who had opened fire on Ram devotees and subjected saints to lathicharge, should certainly come to Ayodhya, but only after apologising. Let them apologise once to Ram devotees and once to the saints. Let them repent for their actions,” he said.
Although the Chief Minister did not name Akhilesh or the Samajwadi Party directly, his remarks appeared to target the party over its handling of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
Akhilesh Yadav to visit Ram Temple on December 12
The political exchange followed an announcement by former Samajwadi Party MLA Pawan Pandey, who said Akhilesh and Dimple Yadav would visit the Ram Temple and Hanumangarhi temple on December 12.
He said the SP chief would travel with his family, offer prayers, meet saints and seek their blessings. The visit will be Akhilesh’s first to the Ram Temple since its consecration in January 2024.
The BJP has repeatedly criticised the former Chief Minister for not visiting the shrine. Akhilesh, meanwhile, has accused the BJP and Sangh organisations of wrongdoing over alleged donation theft linked to the temple. He had earlier said he would visit the shrine after the completion of Kedareshwar Dham, a temple being built by the SP in Etawah.
Yogi targets opposition over Ram Janmabhoomi movement
During his address, Adityanath also criticised political leaders who had questioned the existence of Lord Ram during the legal battle over the Ram Janmabhoomi dispute. “Those who had assembled an army of lawyers in courts to deny the existence of Lord Ram have at least now acquired the wisdom to accept his existence. This is our ideological victory,” he said.
He also described Lord Ram as India’s national consciousness, culture and self-respect, adding that Ayodhya was regaining its former glory after years of neglect. The event was attended by Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and other dignitaries.
The exchange comes ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections scheduled for early 2027 with the Ram Temple and the legacy of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement continuing to remain key political issues.