Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath clashes with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav over Ram Mandir donation scandal

An alleged embezzlement of donations meant for the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has sparked a political showdown in Uttar Pradesh. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of turning the temple’s donations into a business, claiming the BJP is exploiting faith for money. He also questioned Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s oversight, noting that the controversy went unnoticed despite the CM’s frequent visits to Ayodhya.

Yogi Adityanath responded by attacking the SP’s historical record, asserting that the party’s previous government “shot at Ram devotees” and had blocked Hindu festivals such as Krishna Janmashtami and the Kanwar Yatra. He highlighted the current administration’s temple‑beautification projects and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s role in restoring Ayodhya’s prominence, urging Yadav to visit the shrine to see the changes.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Surendra Kumar Jain also rebuked Yadav, questioning whether he ever paid obeisance to Lord Ram. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Sanjay Nishad said the investigation into the donation case is progressing and that no guilty party will be spared.

The dispute centers on alleged irregularities involving several trust officials and a First Information Report filed under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, with accusations that between ₹7 crore and ₹7.5 crore were misappropriated.