Yogi urges apology as Yadavs plan Ayodhya temple visit

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said people who had neglected Ayodhya, opened fire on Ram devotees or subjected saints to lathicharge should apologise before visiting the city, as a Samajwadi Party leader announced a planned temple visit by Akhilesh Yadav and Dimple Yadav on December 12.

Adityanath made the remarks at Deepotsav in Ayodhya on November 7. He did not name Akhilesh Yadav or the Samajwadi Party directly, but his comments referred to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and past police action against kar sevaks. The historical accusations were part of Adityanath’s speech; the reports do not independently establish them.

Former Samajwadi Party MLA Pawan Pandey announced that Akhilesh Yadav and his wife, Dimple Yadav, planned to visit the Ram Temple and Hanumangarhi on December 12. Pandey said they would offer prayers, meet saints and seek their blessings. The announcement establishes a planned visit, not that it has taken place. Akhilesh Yadav has not directly confirmed the plan in the reports.

Adityanath said those he accused of neglecting and insulting Ayodhya, firing on devotees and ordering lathicharges against saints should seek forgiveness from devotees and...