Akhilesh’s bold move ahead of Ram Lalla visit draws fire from saints and the BJP alike

Akhilesh’s bold move ahead of Ram Lalla visit draws fire from saints and the BJP alike

Ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Ayodhya has once again become the epicenter of politics. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav is set to visit Ayodhya on December 12, accompanied by his family, to offer prayers to Ram Lalla. However, a social media post he shared prior to the visit has ignited a political storm. Akhilesh Yadav raised several questions regarding the management of the Ram Mandir, the volume of pilgrims, and the local economy and development of Ayodhya. He also pledged to transform Ayodhya into a “global capital for Sanatan pilgrimage.” His remarks drew sharp criticism from the community of saints, while the BJP launched a fierce attack on the Samajwadi Party. A statement by Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane further fueled the controversy.