‘Do not cast an evil eye on Ayodhya’: Yogi Adityanath hits back at Opposition over Ram Mandir donation row

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Opposition over the controversy surrounding donations to the Ram Mandir, urging political rivals not to "cast an evil eye" on Ayodhya.

Addressing a public gathering, the chief minister accused Opposition parties of attempting to create unnecessary controversy around one of the country's most significant religious and cultural projects.

"Ayodhya par buri nazar mat dalo (Do not cast an evil eye on Ayodhya)," Yogi Adityanath said, defending the Ram Mandir and questioning the motives behind the allegations over temple donations.

Yogi defends Ram Mandir trust

The chief minister asserted that the Ram Mandir has become a symbol of India's cultural heritage and faith, adding that millions of devotees from across the country have contributed voluntarily to the temple's construction and development.

He maintained that the trust managing the temple has been functioning transparently and accused Opposition leaders of trying to tarnish Ayodhya's image for political reasons.

Opposition raises questions

The political exchange follows allegations and questions raised by Opposition leaders regarding the collection, management and utilisation of donations made for the Ram Mandir project.

Opposition parties have sought greater transparency over certain financial matters related to the temple trust, while the ruling BJP has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.

BJP counters criticism

Yogi Adityanath said Ayodhya has witnessed unprecedented development in recent years, with major investments in roads, tourism infrastructure, airports and public facilities following the construction of the Ram Mandir.

He argued that the transformation of the temple town has generated employment, boosted tourism and strengthened the local economy, making attempts to discredit the project an insult to the sentiments of millions of devotees.

The BJP has consistently projected the Ram Mandir as a landmark achievement, while the Opposition has maintained that questions about public accountability should not be viewed through a political lens.

The latest remarks are expected to intensify the political debate as both the ruling party and the Opposition continue to spar over issues linked to the Ram Mandir and Ayodhya ahead of upcoming political campaigns.