Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, speaking at an event in Ayodhya on Wednesday, delivered a sharp critique of previous state governments while celebrating the city's recent spiritual and infrastructural renaissance. He attributed past conflicts and neglect to what he termed appeasement politics and selfish motives, contrasting it with the transformative developments witnessed in the last decade.
Contrasting Ayodhya's Turbulent Past with Present Peace
Addressing a gathering at Angad Tila during the second-anniversary celebration of the Ram temple idol's consecration, the Chief Minister recounted the city's long journey. He emphasized that the very name "Ayodhya" means a place where war cannot happen, a land of unconquerable valour. However, he stated that political expediency and religious extremism had once turned it into a centre of unrest.
"We all witnessed the struggle and neglect the city faced in the past," Yogi Adityanath said. He recalled that devotees of Lord Ram once faced police lathi charges and arrests for simply remembering their deity. He also highlighted a specific incident, noting that in 2005, under the Samajwadi Party regime, Ayodhya suffered a brutal terror attack. He praised the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) for gunning down the attackers, asserting that the city is protected by Lord Hanuman.
Three Landmark Events Defining a New Era
The Chief Minister outlined a stark turnaround, crediting the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the past 11 years. He pinpointed three historic events that have redefined Ayodhya's destiny:
- August 5, 2020: PM Modi performed the 'Bhoomi Pujan' for the Ram temple, an act described as ending centuries of humiliation.
- January 22, 2024: The Prime Minister led the 'Pran Pratishtha' or consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla's idol.
- November 25, 2024: The hoisting of the saffron flag atop the temple's main spire, a signal that Sanatan Dharma stands supreme and guides the nation's spiritual path.
Yogi Adityanath contrasted this with the city's former state, plagued by power and water crises, poor infrastructure, and minimal tourist footfall.
A Message of Resilience and Future Promise
Beyond the political critique, the CM conveyed a message of Ayodhya's enduring spirit. "The city keeps sending a message that it would continue to thrive," he stated. He told the audience that no follower of Sanatan Dharma can visit Ayodhya without being emotionally overwhelmed, calling this the city's latest message to the world.
Looking forward, Yogi Adityanath turned to the youth present, announcing that the central government is preparing a new welfare scheme. This initiative aims to generate job opportunities for unemployed young people within their native villages, addressing a key concern for the region's future.
The event served as both a commemoration of Ayodhya's religious significance and a political statement on governance, framing the city's current development as a direct result of a changed political ethos.
