Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday targeted Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav over his reported plan to visit the Ram temple in Ayodhya on December 12, saying those responsible for police firing on Ram devotees and saints during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement must apologise before visiting the temple town.
Although CM Yogi Adityanath did not name Akhilesh Yadav directly, his remarks came amid growing political exchanges between the BJP and the Samajwadi Party ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
Notably, the Samajwadi Party president had declined an invitation to attend the Ram Temple's consecration ceremony in January 2024, saying he would visit the temple with his family at a later date.
“An airport could never be built in Ayodhya in the past. Today, Ayodhya boasts an international airport named after Maharishi Valmiki… I have come here today to assure you of this: those who once neglected and insulted us, who opened fire on the devotees of Lord Ram, and who humiliated and lathi-charged the saints—if they ever visit Ayodhya, they must come only after offering an apology,” he said.
“Let them apologise to the devotees of Lord Ram; let them apologise to the saints. Let them repent for their past actions,” the Chief Minister added.
The reference was to the police firing in Ayodhya on October 30 and November 2, 1990, when kar sevaks gathered during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and attempted to reach the then-disputed Babri Masjid site. Security forces opened fire on the demonstrators on both occasions, resulting in several deaths.
The firing took place during Mulayam Singh Yadav's tenure as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister. His government's handling of the protests became a major political issue, with the BJP and organisations associated with the Ram Janmabhoomi movement repeatedly criticising the police action. The episode has continued to feature in political exchanges between the BJP and the Samajwadi Party.
Over 30 lakh diyas light up Ayodhya
More than 30 lakh earthen lamps illuminated the banks of the Saryu river as Ayodhya celebrated its 10th Deepotsav on Saturday. Thousands of volunteers arranged the lamps along Ram Ki Paidi and 55 other ghats.
The annual festival is held ahead of Diwali and marks Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile, according to Hindu tradition. Diwali will be celebrated on November 8 this year.
More than 2,500 police personnel and specialised security units were deployed to manage the crowds, while authorities made traffic arrangements around the main venues.
The celebrations also featured a show involving 2,100 drones, along with cultural performances and other programmes.
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 "'Must apologise before visiting Ayodhya': CM Yogi Adityanath to Akhilesh Yadav")
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