Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday raised questions regarding the 46-year closure of a historic temple in Sambhal and the lack of justice for victims of alleged violence during that period. He accused previous governments of neglecting faith and heritage, emphasizing the significance of the temple’s reopening.
During a speech, Adityanath asked rhetorically, “Did the administration suddenly build such an ancient temple overnight in Sambhal? Did Lord Hanuman’s centuries-old idol appear overnight? Did the ancient jyotirlinga just emerge out of nowhere? Was this not a matter of faith? Why have the culprits responsible for the massacre in Sambhal 46 years ago not been punished to date? Why is there no discussion about the innocent lives lost back then? What was the fault of those who were brutally killed in Sambhal 46 years ago?”
The Chief Minister further questioned the implications of the Ayodhya verdict on the Ram temple, pondering what developments might have occurred without it. He noted the transformation of Ayodhya, including the establishment of an international airport and improved infrastructure, attributing these changes to the temple’s construction.
Adityanath accused certain groups of mourning these developments, claiming they had inserted the word “secular” into the Constitution, which he argued undermined its essence. “They are troubled by the transformation of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham, the construction of the Ram temple, and the divine grandeur of Ayodhya. Their grievance is that despite ruling for decades, they accomplished nothing. Instead of introspecting, they blame our success for their own failures,” he remarked.
These comments followed the recent discovery and reopening of a 400-year-old Lord Shiva and Hanuman temple in Sambhal, which had been closed since 1978. The temple was uncovered during an inspection related to encroachment and electricity theft, and officials have announced plans to restore it to its original structure.
Adityanath’s remarks sparked strong reactions from opposition leaders. Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq criticized the statements, suggesting they were intended to divert attention from pressing issues like unemployment and inflation. “The public wants development, and the Samajwadi Party government will be formed in the state,” he asserted.
RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha also condemned the comments, stating, “UP CM Yogi Adityanath is in a very tough competition… Either you are with the Constitution or with this kind of hate-mongering language.”
In light of the temple’s reopening, authorities are prioritizing its restoration and security. UP Police personnel have been deployed outside the temple, and reports indicate that the premises have been cleaned, electricity arrangements made, and CCTV cameras installed to enhance security.
