Akhilesh Yadav’s Pledge on Ayodhya
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav has vowed to restore Ayodhya as ‘Siyaram Dham’ if his party comes to power in Uttar Pradesh in the 2027 assembly elections. The remark comes amid a controversy over the BJP’s alleged collection of donations for the Ram Mandir construction.
Speaking at a public rally in Ayodhya on Sunday, Yadav said, “The BJP talks about Ram Mandir but is busy collecting money in the name of Lord Ram. If SP returns to power, we will develop Ayodhya as Siyaram Dham, a symbol of harmony and brotherhood.” He accused the ruling party of exploiting religious sentiments for political gains.
Ram Mandir Donation Row Intensifies
The donation row erupted after reports surfaced that BJP workers were collecting funds for the Ram Mandir trust, allegedly under pressure from party leaders. The opposition has slammed the move, calling it a “tax on faith.” Akhilesh Yadav claimed that the BJP had collected over Rs 1,000 crore in donations but failed to provide transparency in spending.
“The Ram Mandir is a matter of faith, but the BJP is turning it into a business. They are collecting crores from the poor, but where is the money going?” Yadav questioned. He demanded a white paper on the funds collected for the temple construction.
Siyaram Dham: A Vision of Harmony
Akhilesh Yadav elaborated on his vision for Siyaram Dham, stating that it would focus on the inclusive legacy of Lord Ram, emphasizing his rule as a model of justice and equality. “Ayodhya should not be a political battlefield. It should be a place where people of all faiths come together,” he said.
The SP chief also criticized the BJP government for neglecting development in Ayodhya. “They talk about Ram Mandir but have done nothing for the city’s infrastructure. Roads are broken, and there is no proper drainage. We will turn Ayodhya into a model city,” he added.
Political Reactions and Implications
The BJP hit back, accusing Akhilesh Yadav of playing vote-bank politics. State BJP spokesperson Manoj Shukla said, “Akhilesh Yadav’s statement shows his frustration. The people of Uttar Pradesh have rejected his politics of appeasement. The Ram Mandir is a symbol of our cultural pride, and no one can stop its construction.”
Political analysts view Yadav’s promise as an attempt to consolidate the opposition vote ahead of the 2027 elections. The SP has been trying to position itself as a secular alternative to the BJP, and the Ayodhya issue remains a key battleground.
The donation controversy has also drawn criticism from other opposition parties, with Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra calling for a probe into the collection drive. The Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which oversees the temple construction, has denied any irregularities.
