Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, during his visit to Ayodhya, made a resolute declaration that his tenure in power is secondary to the construction of the Ram Mandir. Addressing a gathering at the ‘Timeless Ayodhya: Literature and Arts Festival’, he stated, “Even if I have to lose power for Ram Mandir, there should be no problem. I will be happy if I have to relinquish my seat for Lord Ram. I am here to serve people. Ram will find a new way for me.”
During his speech, Adityanath underscored Ayodhya’s significance as the spiritual heart of Sanatan Dharma. He described the city as more than just a historical location, calling it a “source of inspiration for religion and literature.” He elaborated on Ayodhya’s sacred status, stating that it was here that Lord Manu laid the foundation of human civilisation, and the land became the ‘karmabhoomi’ (sacred ground of action) for Lord Ram, an incarnation of Vishnu.
He also emphasised the Ramayana’s unparalleled contribution to literature, calling it “the world’s first epic that provided a new direction to human civilisation.” He noted that generations have drawn inspiration from the values embodied in the Ramayana, making Ayodhya a timeless symbol of moral and cultural wisdom.
The Chief Minister reflected on the transformation of Ayodhya since 2017, when his government introduced Deepotsav (grand Diwali celebrations). He recalled how the idea faced skepticism at first, with many questioning whether such a large-scale celebration could be sustained. However, over the years, deepotsav has grown into a grand festival, attracting millions of devotees and becoming a globally recognised cultural event.
“Today, Ayodhya is witnessing celebrations instead of riots. The city, once neglected, has now become the pride of the nation. Those who once opposed the Ram Mandir are now trying to associate themselves with Lord Ram,” he remarked.
In his concluding remarks, Adityanath expressed his vision for Ayodhya as a city that will attract pilgrims and tourists from around the world.
He reiterated that his government is working tirelessly to develop infrastructure, improve connectivity, and promote cultural tourism.
“Ayodhya is not just a city, it is the spiritual heartbeat of the nation. It has been, and always will be, a guiding light for Dharma. With the blessings of Lord Ram, this sacred land will continue to shine on the world stage,” he declared.
Upon his arrival in Ayodhya, Yogi Adityanath was welcomed by senior BJP leaders and rebel Samajwadi Party MLA Abhay Singh from Gosaiganj.
The Chief Minister proceeded directly to the Hanumangarhi temple, where he offered prayers before heading to the Ram Mandir.
Following his temple visit, Adityanath participated in the Art and Literature Festival, where he addressed a gathering of young entrepreneurs. He distributed cheques amounting to `47 Crore to 1,148 youth, encouraging them to take charge of their futures. “If there is strong willpower, then there is no dearth of opportunity. The Prime Minister has also said that the youth of India is now not just job seekers but also job providers. If Uttar Pradesh becomes self-reliant, then India will also become self-reliant,” he asserted.
Adityanath’s strong statements come at a time when the political climate in Uttar Pradesh is intensifying ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. His speech not only reinforced his image as a devout leader but also sent a clear message that he prioritises faith and governance over political gains.
His remarks are being seen as a strategic move to consolidate the BJP’s core voter base, particularly in the wake of Opposition parties attempting to recalibrate their positions on Hindutva.
As the temple nears completion, the role of Ayodhya in BJP’s electoral strategy is expected to grow even more prominent.
