Akhilesh Yadav to visit Ram temple with family on December 12

Akhilesh Yadav, president of the opposition Samajwadi Party, will undertake a visit to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on December 12, accompanied by his entire family, according to a party statement. The visit comes several months after the temple's consecration ceremony in January this year, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and marked a significant moment for Hindu nationalists across India.

Party spokesperson Pawan Pandey disclosed the planned pilgrimage during an appearance on a news program, confirming the date and composition of the delegation. The visit represents a notable moment for the Samajwadi Party, which has traditionally drawn significant support from Uttar Pradesh's Muslim-majority constituencies, even as the Ram Mandir dispute has remained a contentious political issue.

The December 12 date carries particular significance in the political calendar of Uttar Pradesh, though the party has not publicly elaborated on the specific reasoning behind the selection. The pilgrimage follows increasing political activity among opposition parties seeking to reshape their positioning ahead of electoral cycles in key states.