Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress, accusing them of disrespecting the Hindu faith by allowing namaz to be offered at the Hanumangarhi temple in Ayodhya in 2003. He demanded an apology for what he termed a 'sin' committed against Hindu sentiments.
Adityanath's Accusations
Speaking at a public event in Ayodhya, Adityanath said, "Those who now claim to speak for faith had committed a sin by allowing namaz on the steps of Hanumangarhi. They must apologise for this insult to the Hindu community." He specifically targeted the SP and Congress, alleging that their actions were a deliberate attempt to undermine Hindu religious practices.
The Chief Minister's remarks come amid heightened political tensions in Uttar Pradesh, with the state gearing up for upcoming assembly elections. Adityanath has repeatedly invoked the Ram Mandir issue and other religious symbols to consolidate the Hindu vote bank.
Historical Context
The Hanumangarhi temple, located in Ayodhya, is a significant Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman. In 2003, during the tenure of the SP government led by Mulayam Singh Yadav, permission was reportedly granted for a Muslim prayer meeting (namaz) on the temple premises. This decision had sparked widespread protests from Hindu groups at the time.
Adityanath's attack also targeted the Congress, which was in power at the centre in 2003. He accused both parties of playing vote-bank politics at the expense of Hindu faith. "The Congress and SP have always appeased Muslims for votes, ignoring the sentiments of Hindus," he added.
Political Reactions
The Samajwadi Party dismissed Adityanath's allegations as politically motivated. SP spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary said, "The Chief Minister is trying to divert attention from his government's failures. The 2003 incident was a minor administrative matter, not a sin." Congress leaders also refuted the claims, calling them baseless and divisive.
Political analysts note that Adityanath's rhetoric is aimed at energising his core Hindu voter base ahead of the elections. "By revisiting old controversies, the BJP is trying to polarise the electorate and shift focus from issues like unemployment and inflation," said Professor Ramesh Dixit, a political science expert at Lucknow University.
Impact on Ayodhya
The Hanumangarhi temple incident remains a sensitive issue in Ayodhya, which is also the site of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute. The construction of the Ram Mandir is underway following a Supreme Court verdict in 2019. Adityanath's comments are expected to further intensify religious polarization in the region.
Local residents expressed mixed reactions. "The CM is right to raise this issue. It was an insult to our faith," said Ram Naresh, a shopkeeper in Ayodhya. However, others criticized the timing. "Why bring up old things now? It's just election rhetoric," said Mohammad Salim, a local Muslim leader.
The Chief Minister's office has not confirmed any official demand for an apology from the SP or Congress, but the statement has already sparked a fresh war of words between the ruling BJP and opposition parties.
