Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh – October 19, 2025

As Ayodhya gears up for its grand Diwali celebrations marking Lord Ram’s homecoming, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a sharp critique of the Samajwadi Party and the wider INDIA bloc, recalling the turbulent history surrounding the Ram Mandir movement. Speaking during the Deepotsav festivities, Adityanath contrasted the violence faced by devotees in the past with the present-day celebrations of light and devotion in the city.

Addressing the crowd at Ram ki Paidi, Adityanath criticized opposition leaders, pointing out that those responsible for violence against karsevaks during the Ram Mandir movement had never attended the temple’s grand consecration in 2024. “Those who fired bullets never came for the consecration of the Ram Temple. During the Ram Mandir movement, advocates were positioned to prevent the temple from being built. They fired shots, while we lit lamps,” he said, emphasizing the contrast between past oppression and present devotion.

Adityanath’s comments were a direct reference to the actions of then-Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, father of Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, who had ordered police to open fire on karsevaks marching toward the Babri Masjid in October 1990. During that period, as thousands of devotees attempted to reach the site of the future Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, police forces were deployed to halt their progress, leading to violent clashes and a stampede. Official records report that 17 people were killed, though political sources and eyewitness accounts suggest higher casualties.

The Chief Minister underscored the enduring struggle of Sanatana Dharma, highlighting that the journey to the construction of the Ram Temple was marked by 500 years of persistent challenges. “Every lamp reminds us that truth can be troubled but cannot be defeated. It is the destiny of truth to be victorious, and with that destiny of victory, Sanatana Dharma has continuously struggled. As a result of those struggles, a grand and divine temple has been constructed in Ayodhya,” Adityanath stated.

Recounting historical events, the 1990 clashes began when police forces blocked karsevaks from entering Ayodhya, with L.K. Advani and other leaders detained by authorities in Bihar. Despite heavy security and barricades, devotees attempted to march toward the Babri Masjid site, resulting in the police opening fire to disperse the crowd. Subsequent marches in November saw further confrontations, again leading to violent clashes between devotees and security personnel.

Speaking to the gathered devotees during Deepotsav, Adityanath highlighted the transformation of Ayodhya from a site of historical conflict to a city now celebrated for its cultural and spiritual vibrancy. He stressed that the lighting of lamps and organized festivities symbolized resilience, unity, and the triumph of devotion over past adversities.

Through his remarks, the Chief Minister sought to reaffirm the city’s identity as a spiritual hub while underlining the contrast between historical opposition to the Ram Mandir movement and the inclusive celebrations that now define Ayodhya. The speech resonated with attendees as the city prepared for the continuation of Deepotsav, with millions of diyas illuminating the sacred landscape.

 Yogi Adityanath Criticizes Opposition Ahead of Ayodhya Diwali

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took a sharp dig at the Samajwadi Party and the INDIA bloc during Ayodhya’s Deepotsav celebrations. He recalled the 1990 Ram Mandir movement when police, under then-CM Mulayam Singh Yadav, fired on karsevaks marching toward the Babri Masjid, resulting in deaths and chaos. Adityanath highlighted that those responsible never attended the grand consecration of the Ram Temple in 2024. Addressing devotees, he said the lighting of lamps symbolizes the triumph of truth and devotion over violence, reflecting 500 years of struggle by Sanatana Dharma and marking Ayodhya’s transformation into a center of faith and celebration.