Apologise before Ram darshan: UP CM Yogi to Akhilesh Yadav over 1990 firing as SP chief plans Ayodhya visit
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has demanded an apology from Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav regarding 1990s police actions against Ram devotees before Yadav visits the Ayodhya temple. The exchange highlights ongoing political tensions surrounding the site.
Why it matters
Illustrates the intersection of religious sentiment and political campaigning in India ahead of high-profile visits.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday took a swipe at Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav over his proposed visit to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, saying "those who had fired on Ram devotees, subjected saints to lathicharge, and ignored" the holy city should apologise before visiting the shrine.His remarks came hours after a Samajwadi Party leader announced that Akhilesh and his wife, Dimple Yadav, would visit Ayodhya on December 12.Addressing the 10th edition of Deepotsav in Ayodhya, Adityanath said those who had neglected and insulted the holy city, opened fire on Ram devotees and subjected saints to police action were welcome to visit, but only after seeking forgiveness."Those who had neglected and insulted (Ayodhya), who had opened fire on Ram devotees and subjected saints to lathicharge, should certainly come to Ayodhya, but only after apologising. Let them apologise once to Ram devotees and once to the saints.
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