By Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday strongly defended the management of donations for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, accusing opposition parties of raising politically motivated allegations despite having opposed the temple movement in the past. He said those questioning the handling of temple funds had earlier attempted to delay the construction of the shrine and were now adopting a contradictory stand.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the start of the Monsoon Session of the Uttar Pradesh Legislature, the Chief Minister also appealed to legislators from both the ruling party and the opposition to ensure meaningful discussions inside the House. He said the government had introduced a supplementary Budget focused on strengthening welfare measures for frontline workers and addressing public concerns.
Without naming any political party, Adityanath alleged that those criticising the Ram Temple donation process had previously taken steps to obstruct the temple’s construction through legal challenges. He also referred to past events linked to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, claiming that the same political forces had acted against devotees during earlier protests.
The Chief Minister asserted that those now speaking about alleged irregularities in temple donations had made no contribution towards the construction of the Ram Temple. According to him, the country was witnessing what he described as the opposition’s “double standards” on the issue.
His remarks came as opposition members raised the Ram Temple donation matter on the opening day of the Assembly’s Monsoon Session, leading to political exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches.
Calling for productive legislative proceedings, Adityanath said the Assembly should remain a platform for addressing public issues rather than political confrontation. He urged all elected representatives to participate in healthy debates and work together in the interest of the people.
The Chief Minister also highlighted key provisions of the supplementary Budget, stating that it includes measures to improve financial support for Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, cooks engaged in government welfare programmes, and village chowkidars. He said the enhanced honorarium would recognise their contribution and strengthen grassroots public services.
Expressing confidence that the session would proceed smoothly, Adityanath appealed to opposition parties to move beyond political differences and support initiatives aimed at the development of Uttar Pradesh and the welfare of its nearly 250 million residents.
He described the legislature as an important democratic forum where people’s concerns can be raised and resolved through discussion. According to the Chief Minister, ensuring that public representatives effectively use this platform has remained one of the government’s priorities.
The Chief Minister also criticised the Samajwadi Party for protesting inside the Assembly complex before the session began. He alleged that the party’s record on issues affecting farmers, irrigation, and agricultural reforms did not match its present political claims.
Highlighting the state’s development trajectory, Adityanath said Uttar Pradesh had undergone significant economic transformation over the past several years. He claimed the state had moved beyond its earlier image as a BIMARU state and had emerged as a revenue-surplus economy contributing substantially to national growth.
He concluded by reiterating that the government remains committed to implementing welfare programmes for youth, women, farmers, traders, and other sections of society, while continuing its focus on development and inclusive governance.
