Yogi Adityanath hits back at opposition over Ram temple donation issue
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday accused the opposition of double standards over the Ram temple donation issue, saying those questioning the handling of funds had earlier tried to obstruct the construction of the temple.
"The Ayodhya issue is being raised by those who had fired bullets at Ram devotees. They are the same people who used to resort to lathi-charge and firing when people raised the slogan of 'Jai Shri Ram'," Adityanath said without naming any party.
He alleged that those criticising the handling of donations had earlier attempted to stall the temple's construction by "deploying an army of lawyers" in courts.
"They (opposition) talk about theft of donations meant for the Ram temple, but not a single penny for the temple's construction came from their pockets. The country and the world are watching their double standards," he said.
His remarks came amid opposition protests over the Ram temple donation issue on the opening day of the Monsoon Session of the state legislature.
Speaking to reporters before the session began, Adityanath also appealed to lawmakers across party lines to ensure constructive debate in the House.
"I appeal to all honourable public representatives to maintain healthy discussion and debate in the House," he said.
The chief minister said the government had brought a supplementary budget with provisions to enhance financial support for Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, cooks engaged in government programmes and village chowkidars.
"The supplementary budget has been brought to ensure these workers receive a handsome honorarium and continue serving the interests of the state," he said.
Adityanath urged the opposition to move beyond "negative politics" and work together for the welfare of Uttar Pradesh's 25 crore people.
"I hope our opposition colleagues will give up negative politics, adopt a positive approach and contribute to Uttar Pradesh's changed perception, development and prosperity," he said.
He also criticised the Samajwadi Party for staging a protest in the assembly complex ahead of the session, accusing the party of failing to protect farmers' interests during its tenure.
"Those under whose rule farmers' interests were undermined, who failed to provide irrigation water, allowed middlemen to dominate the agricultural sector and pushed farmers into distress are today claiming to champion their cause. Their double standards are before everyone," he said.
Adityanath said the legislature was an important platform for elected representatives to raise public concerns and seek their resolution.
He also claimed that his government had transformed Uttar Pradesh's image, saying the state had moved out of the category of BIMARU states and emerged as a revenue-surplus state and a major driver of economic growth.
The BIMARU acronym was coined in the 1980s to describe the perceived backwardness of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
The chief minister also highlighted welfare initiatives for youth, women, farmers and traders and reiterated his government's commitment to the development of all sections of society.
