Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has demanded the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the record-breaking number of visits to Ayodhya, amid allegations of embezzlement. In a post on X, Yadav wrote, "One SIT should also be constituted into the record-breaking Ayodhya visits."
The remark comes in the wake of ongoing controversies surrounding the management of pilgrimages to the holy city. Yadav's statement suggests potential financial irregularities in the organization of these visits, which have seen a surge in numbers under the current state government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Ayodhya, a key religious site for Hindus, has witnessed a significant increase in tourist footfall following the construction of the Ram temple. The state government has been promoting the city as a major pilgrimage destination, but opposition parties have raised questions about the transparency of funds allocated for the purpose.
Yadav's call for an SIT probe adds to the political heat in Uttar Pradesh, where the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been accused of mismanaging public funds. The Samajwadi Party chief has been vocal in criticizing the state administration on various issues, including law and order, unemployment, and corruption.
The post on X was accompanied by a Hindi tweet, which translates to: "An SIT should also be formed to investigate someone's record-breaking 'Ayodhya' journeys." The reference to "someone" is widely interpreted as a dig at Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who has been actively promoting Ayodhya as a pilgrimage hub.
As of now, there has been no official response from the Uttar Pradesh government or the BJP regarding Yadav's demand. The issue is likely to be debated in the upcoming assembly session, with opposition parties expected to raise questions about the financial management of the Ayodhya visits.
