New Delhi, November 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday criticised Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav over his proposed visit to Ayodhya, alleging that it was driven by electoral considerations and accusing him of “opportunistic politics” in the name of Sanatan Dharma.
Yadav is scheduled to visit Ayodhya on December 12 with his wife, Mainpuri MP Dimple Yadav, and other family members. He is expected to offer prayers at Hanumangarhi and the Ram Mandir. The visit would be his first to the temple since its consecration in January 2024. SP leader and former Ayodhya MLA Pawan Pandey confirmed the plan.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak alleged that the visit was an attempt to project support for Hindu traditions ahead of elections. He accused the SP of opposing Sanatan Dharma and Hindus, and said the party relied on appeasement, vote-bank consolidation and caste-based politics.
Uttar Pradesh Minister Daya Shankar Singh also questioned the timing of the visit, alleging that Yadav had earlier avoided the temple due to concerns about losing the support of a particular community. Singh urged him to seek Lord Ram’s blessings and apologise for the firing on devotees during the tenure of then Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav.
BJP MP Ravi Kishan said Yadav should take Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi along with him to the temple. BJP National Spokesperson Tuhin Sinha described both leaders as “political Hindus”, alleging that Yadav had remembered the temple only ahead of elections.
Sinha said Yadav had been invited to the consecration ceremony and a subsequent event marking the temple’s construction, but had not attended either. He described the proposed visit as opportunistic, while adding that it was good that Yadav was going.
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