Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav launched a blistering attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday, invoking the legacy of BR Ambedkar to question the ruling party's handling of the Ram Temple theft case in Ayodhya. The incident, which occurred on July 2, 2026, has sparked a political row in Uttar Pradesh, with the opposition accusing the state government of negligence.
Ram Temple Theft Sparks Political Controversy
The theft at the Ram Temple complex in Ayodhya came to light early Thursday morning when temple authorities discovered that a donation box had been broken into and an estimated sum of Rs 1.5 lakh was missing. The incident has raised serious questions about security arrangements at the temple, which is a major pilgrimage site and a symbol of the BJP's political agenda.
Speaking at a press conference in Lucknow, Akhilesh Yadav said, "The BJP talks about faith and devotion, but when it comes to protecting the Ram Temple, they have betrayed the trust of millions. BR Ambedkar had warned about the dangers of mixing religion with politics, and today we see the result."
Akhilesh Invokes Ambedkar's Warning
Yadav quoted extensively from Ambedkar's writings, particularly his critique of the use of religion in public life. "Ambedkar ji said that religion is a matter of personal belief, but when it becomes a tool for political power, it leads to corruption and negligence. The theft at the Ram Temple is a clear example of how the BJP's obsession with symbolism has led to a lack of accountability," he added.
The Samajwadi Party chief also questioned the timing of the theft, noting that it occurred just days after the first anniversary of the Ram Temple consecration ceremony. "This is not just a theft; it is an insult to the sentiments of crores of Hindus. The BJP government should explain how such a lapse happened under its watch," he said.
BJP Responds to Allegations
In response, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya dismissed Akhilesh's criticism as "political opportunism." He said, "The state police have already registered an FIR and are investigating the matter. The accused will be arrested soon. Akhilesh Yadav should not trivialize a serious incident for political gain."
Maurya also accused the Samajwadi Party of being soft on crime during its tenure. "When SP was in power, law and order was in shambles. The BJP government has improved the security situation, and this isolated incident does not reflect the overall management of the temple," he added.
Security Lapses Under Scrutiny
The theft has also drawn attention to the security arrangements at the Ram Temple. Sources said that CCTV cameras in the area were not functioning at the time of the incident, raising concerns about surveillance. The temple trust has announced a review of security protocols.
Meanwhile, the opposition has demanded a judicial inquiry into the matter. Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said, "This is a serious breach of security. The government must ensure that such incidents do not happen again. We demand a high-level probe."
The Ram Temple theft has become a major political flashpoint in Uttar Pradesh, with both sides using it to score points ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. Akhilesh Yadav's invocation of Ambedkar is seen as an attempt to broaden the attack beyond the immediate incident and question the BJP's overall governance model.
