Ram Gopal Yadav, a prominent figure in the Samajwadi Party, recently ignited controversy with his comments regarding the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Yadav referred to the Ram Mandir as "bekaar (useless)" due to what he perceived as improper construction. This remark drew strong criticism from the BJP, particularly from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who deemed it an “insult to the Sanatan faith of millions of Ram devotees”.
The inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya earlier this year, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 'Pran Pratishtha' rituals, marked a significant event. However, several opposition leaders refrained from attending the ceremony, citing concerns over the politicization of the temple issue.
When questioned about the absence of opposition leaders at the Ram Mandir, Ram Gopal Yadav responded by stating, "Roz Ram ka darshan karte hein (We pay obeisance to Lord Ram daily)". However, he expressed criticism towards the temple's architectural design, remarking that it did not adhere to the principles of 'Vastu' shastra, an ancient science governing spatial arrangement in relation to natural and cosmic energies.
Yadav claimed that the temple's layout deviated from traditional construction practices observed in older temples, citing the orientation from south to north as an example of improper 'Vastu'. His remarks sparked condemnation from Chief Minister Adityanath, who characterized them as disrespectful to the sentiments of millions of devotees and as a challenge to the divine authority of Lord Shri Ram.
Adityanath emphasized that such comments not only undermine religious faith but also serve as a form of political manipulation. He accused opposition parties of exploiting religious sentiments for electoral gains, labeling their actions as a policy of appeasement.
In response to Yadav's statement, Adityanath affirmed the sanctity of the Ram Mandir and reiterated the importance of preserving religious beliefs without subjecting them to political exploitation.
