Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday accused the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) of double standards, asking why namaz was allegedly permitted on the steps of Ayodhya’s Hanumangarhi temple in the past.
Speaking at a public meeting in Ayodhya, Adityanath said parties that once allowed such an act are now raising questions about faith and Sanatan Dharma. He also posed a counter-question, asking whether anyone would be allowed to recite the Hanuman Chalisa inside a mosque, and whether any government would permit it.
The Chief Minister also referred to Ayodhya’s international airport, saying it was once mocked by SP leaders but is now a reality. He claimed the party is upset because the airport has been named after Maharishi Valmiki.
Adityanath reiterated that the BJP fulfilled the long-standing demand to build the Ram temple in Ayodhya, while alleging that Congress and SP had questioned evidence related to Lord Ram’s existence.
The BJP has long alleged that during the SP government led by the late Mulayam Singh Yadav, permission was granted in 2003 for Ramzan prayers on the Hanumangarhi temple steps and that there was an attempt to arrange an iftar nearby. Former DGP and current BJP MP Brij Lal had earlier said local police intervened and denied permission, a reference Adityanath cited in his remarks.
