Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Tuesday said no “sadhu-sant” has been found to be involved in Ram Temple donation theft, accusing the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress of trying to defame the temple, Ayodhya and Sanatan tradition.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigation into the case is still underway.
The CM’s remarks came after the second day of the UP assembly’s Monsoon Session saw disruptions over the Ram Temple donation theft matter. The Opposition demanded a discussion on the issue, leading to a confrontation between SP and BJP legislators. Amid the uproar, Speaker Satish Mahana adjourned the House till 11 am Wednesday and suspended SP MLA Sachin Yadav for the remainder of the session.
Addressing reporters in the assembly premises after the adjournment, Adityanath said the state government had acted promptly after the alleged theft came to light by constituting an SIT, following which eight accused were arrested.
“More than 1,100 people work in the Ram Temple premises, but no sadhu-sant has been found to be involved. The investigation has found the role of only eight individuals. It is unfortunate that attempts are being made to defame the saints, the temple, Ayodhya and its employees,” the CM said.
Targeting the Opposition, Adityanath said the SP had consistently opposed the Ram Temple movement. He claimed that SP leaders did not attend the consecration ceremony in January 2024 despite receiving invitations.
“These are the same people who opposed the Ram Temple and insulted Lord Ram and the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. Today they are raising the issue only to malign the temple. Their conduct has always been against Sanatan,” he said.
The CM also claimed that the Ram Temple trust had no role in the investigation. “It was constituted following the Supreme Court’s directions, not by the government. The investigation is underway, action has been taken against the accused, and further proceedings are continuing.”
Adityanath said the government was willing to discuss any issue in the assembly, provided it was raised according to the rules. “Waving placards, disrupting proceedings and insulting constitutional institutions are unacceptable. The Opposition is repeatedly disrespecting the House and trying to spread misinformation by raising baseless issues.”
The CM further alleged that the SP had little faith in democratic values and had a history of attacking constitutional institutions, the media and established parliamentary traditions.
The four-day UP assembly Monsoon Session began Monday and will end on 6 August. The Adityanath government presented the supplementary budget Tuesday.
(Edited by Gitanjali Das)