Akhilesh Yadav Alleges Donation Theft at Ayodhya Temple
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on July 8, 2026, sparked a major political controversy by alleging that donations, offerings, and charity collected at the Ram temple in Ayodhya were being stolen. In a series of tweets, Yadav claimed that news of the theft had spread worldwide, causing embarrassment among Sanatani Hindus living abroad who had contributed to the temple fund.
Yadav stated that the alleged misappropriation of funds was linked to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its associates, accusing them of damaging the reputation of the temple and the Hindu faith. He expressed that many devotees who had sent donations or visited the temple were now hurt and ashamed.
BJP Rebuts Allegations as Baseless
The BJP swiftly denied the allegations, calling them a malicious attempt to defame the party and the temple administration. BJP spokesperson said, "These are baseless and politically motivated charges. The temple trust maintains transparent accounts, and all donations are properly accounted for." The party accused Yadav of resorting to false accusations to gain political mileage ahead of upcoming elections.
Yadav, in his subsequent tweet, defended his claims by referencing the alleged history of corruption and social-political misconduct of those he accused. He stated that the individuals involved have a notorious record, which is why even members of their own party avoid associating with them.
Political Fallout and Public Reaction
The controversy has triggered a heated exchange between the Samajwadi Party and the BJP, with both sides trading barbs. Social media platforms saw a surge in discussions, with users demanding an independent inquiry into the temple's finances. The temple trust, however, has not issued an official statement yet.
This incident adds to the ongoing political tensions in Uttar Pradesh, where the Ram temple is a significant symbol for the ruling BJP. Analysts suggest that the allegations could impact voter sentiment in the state, especially among the Hindu electorate.
