Yogi Adityanath Slams Opposition on Ram Temple Row, Karsevak Firing

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has strongly criticized the opposition parties, particularly the Congress and Samajwadi Party (SP), for what he termed their 'double standards' concerning the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. His remarks, delivered amidst a political controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in Ram Mandir donations, revisited the contentious history of the Ayodhya movement, specifically the police firing on karsevaks in 1990. Speaking at various public gatherings, including in Rudauli, Ayodhya, and before the monsoon session of the state legislature, CM Adityanath asserted that those who once ordered bullets and lathis against 'Ram devotees' are now attempting to 'preach' or feign concern over the temple's interests. He explicitly alluded to the events of October 30 and November 2, 1990, when security forces, under the command of then Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party, opened fire on karsevaks who had gathered in Ayodhya to participate in the agitation for the Ram Temple. Official records from that period indicate a death toll of 15-28, though the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) claimed higher figures. Adityanath pointed out the alleged hypocrisy of these parties, noting that the Congress had previously tried to obstruct the temple's construction, even submitting affidavits in the Supreme Court claiming that Lord Ram never existed. Similarly, he accused the Samajwadi Party of being responsible for the firing on karsevaks and now trying to project themselves as guardians of 'Ram devotees' sentiments. The Chief Minister's statements come at a time when opposition leaders have demanded a probe into the alleged misappropriation of donation funds at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Responding to these allegations, CM Adityanath confirmed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted at the request of the Trust to investigate the matter thoroughly. He expressed confidence that the SIT probe would bring clarity and reveal the truth within 15 days, urging anyone with evidence to present it to the investigation team. Yogi Adityanath also linked the opposition's current criticism to their historical stance against the temple. He highlighted that these were the same parties who had either opposed the construction of the Ram Temple or boycotted its consecration ceremony in January 2024. He emphasized that while these parties now raise concerns about the management of donations, they did not contribute to the temple's construction themselves. The Chief Minister urged the opposition to abandon 'negative politics' and adopt a constructive approach towards the state's development and prosperity. The historical context of the 1990 firing remains a sensitive and politically charged issue in Uttar Pradesh. Mulayam Singh Yadav, who was Chief Minister at the time, had justified his decision to open fire on karsevaks, stating it was necessary to maintain law and order and save the Babri Masjid, although he later expressed regret on some occasions while reaffirming his stance on others. This historical event is often invoked by the BJP and its allies to highlight the contrasting approaches of different political parties towards Hindu nationalist movements and the Ram Temple cause. CM Adityanath reiterated that the government treats any alleged theft of offerings with utmost seriousness, clarifying that while the temple trust is an independent body, the government ensured a fair investigation into the allegations once they surfaced. He added that six accused have been arrested and further steps are being taken on moral grounds. This ongoing political discourse underscores the deep-seated ideological divisions and historical narratives surrounding the Ayodhya issue, which continues to resonate significantly with the Indian electorate.

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