Uttar Pradesh Hanumangarhi dispute fuels BJP‑SP political feud

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath claimed that prayers had been held on the steps of the Hanumangarhi shrine in Ayodhya, prompting sharp reactions from opposition figures. Former BJP MP Brijbhushan Sharan Singh refuted the claim, stating that no prayer has ever been performed at the site and noting that the temple’s construction was overseen by a Muslim builder, as recorded on an inscription.

Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav denounced the CM’s statement as a political distraction from the Ram temple controversy, accusing the BJP of exploiting religious sentiment. Both leaders also dismissed any alleged links between Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the chief minister, and the recent theft of ornaments from the Ram temple, calling such accusations unfounded.