Lucknow: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday challenged Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav to visit Ayodhya , but only after apologising for having ordered firing on ‘kar sewaks’ in 1990, when Mulayam Singh Yadav was the chief minister, and for having neglected Ayodhya as a city.
Reacting to reports that the SP chief is likely to visit Ram Temple on Dec 12, the chief minister said, “Those who neglected and humiliated Ayodhya, opened fire on Ram devotees and ordered lathi-charge on seers are welcome to visit the holy city, but only after apologising. Exactly 36 years ago, the water of Saryu river was stained red with the blood of Ram’s devotees. Elaborating on the changes in Ayodhya over the past 10 years, the CM said, “The city has been developed to an extent where it is bringing alive its status during the Treta Yuga.
Those who once said that not even a bird could flutter its wings in Ayodhya, and who banned the chanting of ‘Jai Sri Ram’, are now dreaming of having ‘darshan’ at the Ram temple. They fail to distinguish between a religious discourse and a ‘mushaira’,” he said without naming anyone. Then there will be questions, and answers will be sought too!” he said.
Such people should first publicly apologize and repent their deeds. I am surprised that some people attending religious discourses are not even aware of the decorum that such gatherings demand. Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya also took potshots at Yadav, saying that he has several questions for him once he officially confirms his intent to visit the Ram Temple. “For now, until there is an official announcement from the SP or its national president, I have nothing to add. Let there be an official confirmation first.
“Those who once stained the streets of Ayodhya with blood are today unable to restrain their own greed.