Akhilesh Yadav Pledges Ayodhya Transformation Amid BJP Clash

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav pledged to transform Ayodhya into a global capital for Sanatan pilgrimage if his party wins the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. His proposal includes developing world-class infrastructure and implementing a transparent management system for the Ram Mandir to restore public trust and revitalize the local economy.

The political clash intensified after videos emerged showing impoverished residents collecting leftover oil from 3 million earthen lamps following the Deepotsav celebrations on November 7. Yadav condemned the humiliation of the poor and alleged that BJP workers used sticks to prevent people from gathering the oil. In response, Ayodhya Mayor Girish Pati Tripathi defended the administration, stating that oil and sweets had been distributed to slums and needy residents before the event.

As Yadav prepares for a visit to Ayodhya on December 12, BJP leader Pankaj Chaudhary accused him of practicing appeasement politics and prioritizing political gain over faith. Yadav dismissed these critics as nomadic merchants of politics. He further claimed that alleged irregularities in land dealings in the temple town have harmed the local economy and led to a decline in the number of visiting devotees.