Akhilesh Yadav to make first family visit to Ayodhya Ram Temple

Akhilesh Yadav, president of the Samajwadi Party, is set to visit Ayodhya's Ram Mandir with members of his family, according to party sources. The visit will constitute his first journey to the temple complex since its consecration ceremony earlier this year, marking a significant political move ahead of the state elections.

The timing of the visit holds considerable political significance, coming several months before Uttar Pradesh's Legislative Assembly elections, which are expected to be held in February or March 2027. The trip is seen as an attempt by the opposition party to engage with religious constituencies in the state's political landscape.

The Ram Mandir, completed after several decades of construction and legal proceedings, was formally consecrated in January 2024, becoming one of India's most prominent religious sites. The temple has since drawn millions of devotees and has become a focal point in state politics.

The Samajwadi Party, which has historically drawn support from Muslim-majority constituencies and secular voters, has faced political pressure to strengthen its positioning among all voter segments ahead of the forthcoming elections. The visit by Yadav and his family represents an effort to broaden the party's appeal across different demographic groups in Uttar Pradesh.