Ayodhya
A political controversy intensified in Uttar Pradesh on Friday after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath alleged that previous state governments had allowed ‘namaz’ to be offered at the Hanuman Garhi temple in Ayodhya. His remarks received strong backing from several prominent saints in the temple town, who criticised the Samajwadi Party (SP) and accused it of hurting the sentiments of followers of Sanatan Dharma.
Speaking at a public rally in Ayodhya, the Chief Minister questioned why prayers from another faith had allegedly been permitted at the sacred Hanuman Garhi temple during earlier administrations. Drawing a comparison, he asked whether the Hanuman Chalisa could ever be recited inside the Jama Masjid and questioned why such an incident was allegedly allowed at Hanuman Garhi.
The remarks triggered a fresh political debate, with religious leaders in Ayodhya expressing support for the Chief Minister’s statements. Peethadheeshwar of Tapasvi Chhawani, Jagadguru Paramhans Das, said every follower of Sanatan Dharma should pay attention to the Chief Minister’s observations.
According to Paramhans Das, leaders associated with the Samajwadi Party were responsible for allowing ‘namaz’ to be offered at Hanuman Garhi during their tenure. He also praised the current state government, saying that Ram Rajya had been established under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Referring to ongoing investigations in the Ram Temple donation theft case, he said that anyone found guilty was being investigated and appropriate action would be taken.
Paramhans Das also criticised Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, referring to the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots and alleging that the previous government had favoured one community during relief and rehabilitation efforts. He asserted that the present administration was committed to maintaining what he described as Ram Rajya in the state.
Mahant Deveshacharya Ji Maharaj of Siddh Peeth Hanuman Garhi also supported the Chief Minister’s remarks. He accused Akhilesh Yadav of hurting the religious sentiments of followers of Sanatan Dharma and questioned the Samajwadi Party’s commitment towards Lord Ram and the Ram Temple.
He further alleged that the opposition party had sought to create communal divisions in the state instead of promoting harmony. According to him, political leaders who had not visited the Ram Temple had no moral authority to comment on issues related to Lord Ram.
Mahamandaleshwar Vishnu Das Ji Maharaj also backed the Chief Minister, claiming that the remarks had exposed what he described as the Samajwadi Party’s double standards. He alleged that the party had consistently acted against the interests of Sanatan Dharma and criticised its past actions concerning Ayodhya and Ram devotees.