Akhilesh Yadav hits back at BJP over Ayodhya visit criticism
The Samajwadi Party chief redefined his PDA acronym while questioning the ruling party over alleged corruption in Uttar Pradesh.
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding his planned visit to the Ram temple in Ayodhya on December 12. According to the Times of India, Yadav asked why the ruling party was concerned about his PDA outreach, which he redefined as 'Pehle darshan, phir Aashirvaad'.
The confrontation follows challenges from BJP leaders. Uttar Pradesh BJP president Pankaj Chaudhary suggested Yadav visit on December 6 instead of December 12 and demanded an apology for the killing of kar sevaks during the SP's previous tenure. BJP MLC Subhash Yaduvansh also called for an apology to the families of the kar sevaks.
Yadav responded by questioning the BJP's record, asking for answers regarding alleged large-scale destruction and the loss of lakhs of crores of rupees in the state. He stated that his family already holds the blessings of Shiv and Ram Gopal.
Addressing critics on social media, Yadav described his detractors as 'nomadic merchants of politics' who only appear during election periods. He also pledged that if the SP returns to power, he would work to make Ayodhya a global centre for Sanatan pilgrimage.
Yadav promised to implement transparent temple management and build world-class infrastructure. He also said he would look into claims of improper land transactions in the temple town to revitalise the local economy. This political debate occurs ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.