Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a sharp attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP) on Saturday, accusing it of committing a 'sin' by organising Namaz at the Hanuman Garhi temple complex in Ayodhya. Addressing a public rally in the temple town, the CM said the SP's actions were a deliberate attempt to hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus.
What Happened
The controversy erupted after reports emerged that a group of individuals, allegedly linked to the Samajwadi Party, had offered Namaz inside the premises of Hanuman Garhi, a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The incident took place on July 10, 2026, during a political event organised by the SP. Local Hindu groups immediately protested, alleging that the act was a violation of the temple's sanctity and an insult to the Hindu faith.
Yogi Adityanath, known for his strong Hindutva stance, did not mince words while condemning the act. "The Samajwadi Party has committed a grave sin by organising Namaz at Hanuman Garhi. This is not just an attack on a temple but an attack on the faith of crores of Hindus. Those who do such things have no right to be in politics," he said.
Political Reactions
The CM's remarks come amid heightened political tensions in Uttar Pradesh, with both the BJP and SP gearing up for the upcoming assembly elections. The BJP has consistently accused the SP of appeasing Muslims at the cost of Hindu interests. SP leaders, however, dismissed the allegations as baseless and accused the BJP of politicising a routine religious practice.
"This is a desperate attempt by the BJP to divert attention from real issues like unemployment and inflation. The SP respects all religions and would never do anything to hurt any community's sentiments," said SP spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary.
Impact on Ayodhya
Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, has been a focal point of Hindu-Muslim tensions in India. The Hanuman Garhi temple is one of the most revered shrines in the city, attracting thousands of devotees daily. The incident has sparked outrage among local residents and religious leaders, who have demanded strict action against those involved.
Mahant Raju Das, the head priest of Hanuman Garhi, said, "This is an insult to our faith. We will not tolerate any such act in the future. The administration must ensure that the temple's sanctity is maintained."
According to police sources, a case has been registered against unidentified persons under sections of the Indian Penal Code for hurting religious sentiments. An investigation is underway.
Broader Context
The controversy is the latest in a series of flashpoints between the BJP and SP over religious issues. In recent months, the BJP has accused the SP of supporting 'love jihad' and 'land jihad', while the SP has accused the BJP of polarising voters on communal lines. The Hanuman Garhi incident is likely to further intensify the war of words between the two parties.
Political analysts say the issue could work in the BJP's favour in the elections, especially in the Awadh region, which has a significant Hindu population. "The BJP is using such incidents to consolidate the Hindu vote. The SP's response will be crucial in determining how the narrative shapes up," said analyst Dr. Shashikant Pandey.
