National President of Samajwadi Party and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Akhilesh Yadav has made a big announcement regarding Ayodhya. He has said that if the Samajwadi Party government is formed in Uttar Pradesh, Ayodhya will be made the 'global capital of Sanatan pilgrimage'. For this, world class infrastructure facilities will be developed in Ramnagari and transparency will be brought in the temple system. Akhilesh claimed that the confidence of devotees has been affected due to the controversy related to theft in Ram temple. According to him, local business has also been affected due to decrease in the number of devotees coming to Ayodhya. He said that his party, if voted to power, will work to improve the situation and strengthen the local economy along with the religious identity of Ayodhya.
Akhilesh Yadav shared his plans for the development of Ayodhya by posting on social media platform X late on Monday night. He said that Samajwadi Party is committed to re-establishing the honor and respect of Ayodhya city. He says that the theft controversy related to Ram temple has hurt the devotees and its impact is visible on religious tourism. He talked about making the temple system transparent, so that the faith of the devotees can be strengthened again. However, Akhilesh has made his claim regarding the decrease in the number of devotees and the impact on business. He did not share any official data in this regard.
The SP chief also promised to develop world-class infrastructure in Ayodhya. He says that to promote religious tourism, such facilities will be provided so that devotees coming from the country and abroad can get a better experience. Along with visiting the temples in Ayodhya, it has been said to work on a plan to benefit local markets, transportation and tourism related businesses. According to Akhilesh, the development of Ayodhya should not be limited only to big construction works, but its benefits should reach local residents, small traders and families traditionally dependent on tourism.
Akhilesh Yadav also announced to promote traditional sailing in Ayodhya. He said that this will provide employment opportunities to local sailors and their families. Religious tourism can also get a new identity by encouraging traditional boating in the Saryu river. Referring to the relationship between Lord Ram and Nishadraj, Akhilesh said that this tradition will be strengthened again. He alleged that BJP wants to weaken this historical relationship. He gave this statement in the context of Lord Ram's association with PDA i.e. backward, Dalit and minority society.
The SP President also made serious allegations regarding the purchase and sale of land and contracts in Ayodhya. He said that if voted to power, the land deals in Ayodhya will be investigated and alleged irregularities will be brought to light. Akhilesh alleged that outside contractors have taken advantage of Ayodhya. Referring to the alleged scam related to circle rates, he said that the role of the leaders and officials involved in it will be investigated. He also said that the properties and money acquired through alleged irregularities in Ayodhya will be investigated. All these allegations have been made by the SP President and the results of their investigation have not been revealed yet.
Akhilesh Yadav also promised to provide ghee along with mustard oil in the ration system for poor families. He said this would help in meeting the nutritional requirements of needy families. In fact, after sharing the video of poor people collecting leftover oil from lamps at Saryu Ghat after Deepotsav, he had talked about giving oil in ration. Now he has announced to include ghee in it also. Akhilesh said that no poor woman or child should be humiliated or tortured while collecting oil in Ayodhya. He talked about making arrangements to prevent such incidents.
The SP chief also spoke on issues related to religious sentiments and social harmony. He said that there should be a system of legal action against those who insult Lord Ram, Lord Krishna or the revered and great men of any religion. According to him, the role of those who protect such people should also be investigated. He said that such a system will be made in Ayodhya, so that action can be taken against activities that hurt the religious sentiments of any person and disturb social harmony.
Akhilesh Yadav is going to go to Ayodhya with his family on 12th December. During this time, there is a program of darshan and worship at Ram temple and Hanumangarhi. This is said to be his first visit to Ayodhya after consecration in Ram temple. During his visit he will also meet sages, saints and mahants. Before this visit, his announcements regarding Ayodhya have started a new discussion in the politics of Uttar Pradesh.
Assembly elections are to be held in Uttar Pradesh in 2027. In such a situation, issues related to Ayodhya, Ram temple arrangements, religious tourism, local business and land deals seem to be becoming a part of the political debate. In his statement, Akhilesh Yadav has tried to link the interests of employment, local business, poor families and sailors with religious faith. Now the reaction of BJP and other political parties on these announcements and the attitude of the local people of Ayodhya will also be a subject of discussion.