Spreading lies, misleading others: UP minister hits back at Akhilesh Yadav over Ram Temple 'missing donation' claims

NEW DELHI: A political row has erupted over Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav’s claims that crores of rupees received as offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has gone “missing”. Responding to this charge, Uttar Pradesh Minister OP Rajbhar accused the SP supremo of making baseless allegations and stoking needless confusion over the Ram Temple.

Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday claimed that there were reports suggesting that crores of rupees received as donations at the Ram Temple were missing and urged the court to take suo motu cognisance of the matter.

His remarks triggered strong reactions from BJP and NDA leaders, who demanded evidence and accused the opposition of politicising the issue.

Reacting to Yadav’s statement, OP Rajbhar said, “Had he ever even gone to Ayodhya to see where the Ram Mandir entrance is? What proof do he have that any irregularities or theft has taken place?.. The government does not even have the information, and suddenly, he claims that he knows everything. These are people who are spreading lies and misleading others; there is nothing else to it.”

UP Minister Sanjay Nishad said, “The Opposition has nothing except poster campaigns and making statements. Before raising any issue, one should first understand the facts and demand an investigation. An inquiry should be conducted, and only when something is found to be true in that investigation should statements be made. But the Opposition does not demand an investigation; it starts making allegations straight away, as if it were the investigating agency…”

BJP MP Dinesh Sharma also criticised the SP chief’s remarks and urged restraint while commenting on matters related to faith.