'Branch Pardoned, Twig Hanged': Akhilesh Yadav Slams BJP Over Ram Temple Donation Theft
SP chief Akhilesh Yadav accuses BJP of a cover-up in the Ram Temple donation theft case, claiming only low-level workers were arrested.
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav has launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging widespread corruption in Ayodhya. The former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister has specifically raised concerns over the misappropriation of donations, offerings, and gifts intended for the Ramjanmabhoomi temple, claiming that the investigation into the matter is a mere "cover-up."
Allegations of a High-Level Cover-Up
Taking to the social media platform X, Akhilesh Yadav questioned the integrity of the probe conducted by the state government. He alleged that while several individuals have been arrested, they are merely low-level workers, while the actual masterminds behind the theft remain untouched.
Using a sharp metaphor to describe the injustice, Yadav stated, "The branch gets a pardon, the twig gets hanged!" He argued that the "ringleader" of the operation is still in power, while their underlings are the ones facing the legal brunt.
Direct Challenge to CM Yogi Adityanath
The SP leader directed his questions toward Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, demanding transparency regarding the missing funds. He claimed that the residents of Ayodhya are desperate for answers, asking, "When will the truth come out in the case of the stolen 'offerings, donations and gifts'? Will it ever come out at all?"
Yadav further described the current state of Ayodhya as being "tormented, distressed and humiliated" due to the corruption associated with the BJP. He characterized the entire city as a "PDA"—a place defined by distress, humiliation, and torment.
Political Warning and Electoral Predictions
Beyond the corruption allegations, Akhilesh Yadav linked the current public sentiment to upcoming electoral battles. He pointed toward the BJP's performance in the Varanasi Legislative Council elections, where he claimed the party scored a "double zero."
Predicting a similar fate for the party in the upcoming Assembly elections, Yadav warned, "The people of Ayodhya will give the BJP a score of five zeros in the Assembly elections and send it packing for good."
Upcoming Visit to Ayodhya
Despite the political friction, the Samajwadi Party has announced that Akhilesh Yadav will visit the holy city. According to SP leader Pawan Pandey, the party chief is scheduled to visit Ayodhya with his family on December 12.
During this visit, Yadav is expected to:
- Offer prayers at the Hanuman Garhi temple.
- Seek blessings at the Ram Mandir for the darshan of Lord Ram Lalla.
Pawan Pandey expressed strong confidence in the party's future, asserting that the current government would be ousted and a Samajwadi Party government would be formed, with Akhilesh Yadav returning as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.