Lucknow: Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that an internal power struggle within the ruling party influenced the decision to hand over the alleged Ram Temple donation theft case to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) instead of central agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED), or the Income Tax Department.
Addressing a press conference in Lucknow, the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister claimed that the BJP has “two centres of power”—one in Lucknow and another in Delhi—and suggested that the investigation was shaped by this internal rivalry.
Akhilesh alleged that the offerings and donations made by devotees had fallen into the hands of “a gang of thieves” and claimed those responsible were unable to face growing public anger.
Questioning why central investigative agencies were not entrusted with the probe, he argued that if the ED, CBI, or Income Tax Department had taken over the investigation, control would have rested with the central leadership. Instead, he alleged, the Lucknow leadership moved swiftly by assigning the case to an SIT, reflecting an internal struggle for control.
“The decision itself shows there is a power struggle. If central agencies had investigated, the control would have been different. Instead, an SIT was formed, and that raises important questions,” Akhilesh said.
Taking a swipe at those allegedly involved in the case, the SP chief remarked that the lure of money had led people to cross the limits of morality. Referring to Lord Ram, he said that anyone familiar with the life of the deity understands the importance of “Lakshman Rekha” and “Maryada” (propriety), but alleged that those involved had crossed all ethical boundaries.
BJP Hits Back
The BJP strongly rejected Akhilesh Yadav’s allegations, accusing the Samajwadi Party of politicising an issue connected to people’s religious faith.
Responding to the criticism, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak described the alleged donation theft as unfortunate but said the opposition was attempting to exploit the issue for political gains.
Pathak further accused the Samajwadi Party and the Congress of having consistently opposed the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. He alleged that both parties had questioned the birthplace of Lord Ram during legal proceedings and therefore had no moral authority to raise questions on the current issue.
“The people of this country know the stand taken by the Samajwadi Party and the Congress on the Ram Temple. They have repeatedly made statements against Lord Ram and attempted to defame Sanatan Dharma. They will have to answer for those remarks,” Pathak said.
The exchange marks the latest political confrontation over the alleged Ram Temple donation theft case, with both the ruling BJP and the opposition SP trading allegations as the investigation continues.
