Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress over the ongoing controversy related to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, asserting that the truth would emerge through the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe.
Addressing a public gathering after inaugurating and laying foundation stones for 126 development projects worth over ₹378 crore in Rudauli Assembly constituency, including a Government Ayurvedic College and Hospital, the Chief Minister said, “Those who denied the existence of Shri Ram and ordered lathi charges and firing on Ram Bhakts are now preaching to others. They are making a malicious attempt to insult Ayodhya.”
Referring to allegations of embezzlement of donations received by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Adityanath said that after reports surfaced in newspapers, the state government constituted an SIT at the request of the Trust. “The SIT will separate truth from falsehood and establish the facts beyond any doubt,” he said.
The Chief Minister appealed to people not to make statements that could hurt the sentiments of Ram Bhakts or influence the investigation until the SIT submits its report. He urged anyone possessing documentary evidence to submit it directly to the SIT.
Making a special appeal to devotees, he said, “Bhagwan Shri Ram taught the values of dignity and restraint. Our ancestors struggled for 500 years with patience and discipline for the Ram Janmabhoomi. People can wait another 15 days. If anyone is found guilty, regardless of their position, they will not be spared.”
He also cautioned people against being misled by those attempting to defame Ayodhya and the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. “Such individuals never wanted Ayodhya to receive respect because they themselves contributed nothing to its development,” he said.
The Chief Minister alleged that those who once failed to provide basic infrastructure such as electricity and modern roads to Ayodhya are now spreading misinformation. He further claimed that those who questioned the existence of Lord Ram, opposed the construction of the Ram Mandir in court, and ordered action against Ram Bhakts should refrain from delivering sermons on faith and devotion.
Targeting SP president Akhilesh Yadav, Adityanath said, “He has not yet visited the Ram Mandir and had even prevented his party’s MLAs from visiting Ayodhya.”
Recalling a past incident, he said that when Manoj Pandey, then an SP MLA and now a minister in the state government, proposed that all legislators visit Ayodhya for darshan, the suggestion was accepted but later rejected by Akhilesh Yadav.
The Chief Minister further alleged that the Samajwadi Party had insulted Manoj Pandey for expressing devotion to Lord Ram and eventually expelled him. “Those who avoid Ayodhya only seek to defame it,” he said.
Criticising the previous SP government, Adityanath claimed that before 2017, Kamakhya Dham was denied the benefits of urban development, including Nagar Panchayat status, roads, welfare schemes, and civic infrastructure due to a lack of political will. He accused the party of prioritising family interests over public welfare.
Highlighting what he described as the “double standards” of the SP and Congress, the Chief Minister alleged that Congress had attempted to prevent the construction of the Ram Mandir and had questioned the existence of Lord Ram. “The same Congress is now claiming that Ram Bhakts are being insulted,” he said.
The Chief Minister also paid tribute to freedom fighters and national heroes, including Veerangana Jhalkari Bai, Maharani Lakshmibai, Avanti Bai Lodhi, Uda Devi, Maharaja Suheldev, Bijli Pasi, Mangal Pandey and Dhan Singh Kotwal. He said the state government had established three new PAC battalions named after Avanti Bai Lodhi, Jhalkari Bai and Uda Devi, with only women being recruited into these units.
He noted that equestrian statues of these heroines would be installed to inspire future generations with patriotism and courage. Speaking on civic responsibility, Adityanath said that if public representatives, teachers, students, traders and farmers perform their duties honestly, positive outcomes would follow quickly.
He further stated that Uttar Pradesh, once labelled a BIMARU state, has now emerged as a growth engine of the Indian economy. “The progress achieved over the past nine years is the result of collective efforts by all stakeholders,” he said.
Addressing voters, the Chief Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and public support for the transformation of Uttar Pradesh and Ayodhya. He highlighted local development initiatives, including the establishment of a Nagar Panchayat at Kamakhya Dham, construction of a Vivah Mandapam for economically weaker families, improved road connectivity, healthcare facilities, schools, housing, toilets and welfare schemes.
Concluding his address, Adityanath said the double-engine government would continue developing the region between the Saryu and Gomti rivers and urged people to strengthen the BJP to accelerate the pace of development.