New Delhi: The controversy surrounding the alleged theft of offerings at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir shows no signs of abating; the Samajwadi Party (SP), the main opposition party in Uttar Pradesh, is using this issue to constantly put the state government in the dock. The SP is alleging that attempts are being made to weaken the Sanatan faith. Meanwhile, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav visited Lucknow on Thursday morning to meet Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and seek his blessings.
The Shankaracharya arrived in Lucknow West as part of his ‘Govishthi Yatra’ (a journey focused on the welfare of cows), where the SP chief met him today. Amidst the Ram Mandir offering theft controversy, this meeting between a political leader and a Shankaracharya is being viewed as highly significant in the context of UP politics. After meeting the Shankaracharya, former CM Akhilesh Yadav sharply criticised the BJP. Details of his remarks are provided below.
SP Chief Makes a Significant Statement
Speaking to reporters after meeting Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, former CM Akhilesh Yadav made a significant statement. He mentioned that he had just met the revered Shankaracharya. He noted that the Shankaracharya had visited Saifai and travelled to 30 locations across the state. Akhilesh Yadav stated that the Shankaracharya is deeply concerned about the welfare of ‘Gau Mata’ (Mother Cow) and is exploring ways to ensure that the cow receives national honour. During this time, Akhilesh Yadav aimed at the BJP, stating, “It is a different matter that the people of the current government, the Bharatiya Janata Party, keep changing their views and principles to suit their own self-interest.” He further remarked that BJP members alter their stances for the sake of votes, adding that in these times, everything is on record, visible and understandable to all.
What Akhilesh said regarding the theft of Ram Mandir offerings
Addressing the theft of offerings at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the SP chief stated that the need is to change the dhancha (structure/system), not just the sancha mould. He noted that Sanatanis across the world are concerned about this incident, adding that the perpetrators have distorted and violated the Maryadada (code of conduct) established by Lord Ram in Ayodhya; they have committed a grave sin.
He also questioned the action taken against low-level staff regarding the theft, asking what measures were taken against those who held the actual responsibility. He mentioned a senior BJP leader accused of printing unauthorised receipts to collect donations and making 980 phone calls. He asserted that if the Call Detail Records (CDRs) of 90 per cent of the people present at the temple were checked, it would trigger a stampede (chaos) within the BJP.
Akhilesh Yadav questions the SI.T
SP chief Akhilesh Yadav also raised questions about the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the UP government. He pointed out that one of the SIT members faces charges of fraud (Section 420). He described this as a major battle, a conflict between Delhi and Lucknow—reiterating that the dhancha needs to change and that every Sanatani is distressed by this incident.
Furthermore, he noted that those dedicated to the protection of Gau Mata (Mother Cow) are also deeply pained. Regarding CM Yogi’s visit to Ayodhya, Akhilesh remarked that while it is good that the CM is visiting, he has been there numerous times yet failed to detect the theft.
