Ram Temple Donation Row: Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath Hits Back at Akhilesh Yadav (Watch Video)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday launched a sharp political attack on Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav over the ongoing controversy surrounding alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Responding to Akhilesh's criticism of the BJP government, Adityanath urged the opposition leader to visit the Ram Temple and "do penance to gain good sense," accusing him of repeatedly insulting the faith of millions of devotees.

Yogi Defends Government's Response

Addressing the controversy, Adityanath said his government acted promptly after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) submitted its findings on the alleged financial irregularities. He asserted that strict action had been initiated against those accused and maintained that the state government would not shield anyone found guilty. Ram Temple Embezzlement: Ayodhya Police Recover Jewellery, Documents From Tinnu Yadav’s House (Watch Videos).

Yogi Adityanath Hits Back at Akhilesh Yadav Amid Ram Temple Donation Row

The Chief Minister alleged that the Samajwadi Party was attempting to politicise the issue despite the government's swift response to the investigation.

Akhilesh Questions BJP Over Donation Row

The exchange follows remarks made by Akhilesh Yadav, who accused the BJP of "playing with people's faith" and questioned the Uttar Pradesh government's handling of the alleged embezzlement of Ram Temple donations. Ram Mandir Donation Row: All 8 Accused Sent to Three-Day Judicial Custody.

The Samajwadi Party leader had also criticised Adityanath's frequent visits to Ayodhya, suggesting they had failed to prevent the alleged financial irregularities. His comments came amid an expanding investigation into the handling of donations received at the temple.

Investigation Continues

The controversy stems from an SIT probe into the alleged misappropriation of Ram Temple donations. Police have arrested eight accused in connection with the case and recovered nearly ₹79.85 lakh during the investigation. Authorities have also conducted searches at the residences of the accused as they continue to examine financial records and other evidence.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has said it supports a fair and transparent investigation, while key office-bearers associated with the Trust have stepped down amid the ongoing probe.

Political Debate Intensifies

The donation controversy has triggered a fresh political confrontation between the ruling BJP and the opposition Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh. While the BJP has highlighted the government's action against those accused, opposition leaders have sought to hold the state administration accountable for the alleged lapses in the management of temple donations. With the investigation still underway, officials have indicated that further action will depend on the evidence gathered during the probe.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 28, 2026 05:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).