World · India Bureau
Uttar Pradesh CM demands apology from SP chief before Ayodhya visit
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has criticized Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav's visit to Ayodhya, saying the opposition leader should first apologize publicly for his party's alleged neglect of the holy city and its devotees.
LSN India ·
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a sharp attack on Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav over his scheduled visit to Ayodhya, setting a precondition for the opposition leader's entry into the temple city.
Adityanath stated that while Ayodhya welcomes all devotees of the Hindu faith, Yadav must first seek public forgiveness for what the chief minister characterized as the SP's historical indifference toward the city and its religious significance. The CM's remarks underscored the ongoing political tension between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh.
The statement reflects broader electoral and ideological divisions in the state, with the BJP leadership frequently targeting the SP over its approach to religious sites and Hindu constituencies. Adityanath's comments come amid heightened political activity in Uttar Pradesh as various parties intensify their engagement with voters across different regions.
Ayodhya has emerged as a politically significant city following the construction of the Ram Mandir, which was completed in 2024, making it a focal point for Hindu nationalist politics in the state.