'First apologise to devotees, saints': UP CM ahead of Akhilesh's Ram Temple visit
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has demanded an apology from Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav for past actions against Ram devotees before Yadav visits the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Adityanath criticized previous governments for their handling of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the treatment of kar sevaks.
Why it matters
The statement highlights the ongoing political tension in India surrounding the Ram Temple and the use of religious history as a tool for political accountability and mobilization.
NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said those who had ordered firing on Ram devotees and subjected saints to lathicharge should apologise before visiting the Ram Mandir, taking an apparent swipe at Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, who is scheduled to visit the temple on December 12.Speaking at the 10th edition of Deepotsav in Ayodhya, Adityanath said political leaders who had neglected the temple town and insulted its devotees must first acknowledge their past actions."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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