Less than a week before the highly anticipated Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha on January 22nd, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath granted an exclusive interview to Aaj Tak. In this interview, he addressed various topics, including the ongoing court proceedings in Kashi and Mathura. Throughout the conversation, he emphatically stated, “The temple is being built there,” while dismissing the opposition and their mischievous conspiracy theory known as the ‘4KM’ theory regarding the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. It is worth mentioning that this theory has already been proven false.
Yogi Adityanath reminisces about his pledge to build the temple at the same location.
Sanjay Raut and other individuals, who are often involved in such matters, have made claims through media reports that the location where the BJP is constructing the Ram temple is not the original Ram Janmabhoomi. They assert that the temple is being built 3-4 kilometers away from Lord Ram’s actual birthplace. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the disputed structure was unlawfully erected on the birthplace of Shri Ram. This illegal structure on wrongfully acquired land was demolished on December 6th, 1992.
In response to this debunked conspiracy theory, Chief Minister Yogi recalled the commitment made by devotees of Lord Ram during the Ram Janambhoomi movement, which was “Mandir wahin banayenge” (The temple will be built there). He emphasized that the entire struggle of the Ram Janambhoomi movement was centered around the idea that the Ram Mandir would be constructed at the exact location of Lord Ram’s birthplace. Highlighting the fulfillment of this commitment, CM Yogi stated, “Mandir wahin ban rha hai” (The temple is being built there).
Furthermore, CM Yogi mentioned that Sanjay Raut and Uddhav Thackeray themselves had visited Ayodhya to seek blessings. CM Yogi took a sarcastic jab at the leader of Uddhav Sena, questioning why they did not offer this invaluable suggestion during their visit to Ayodhya. Mocking the situation, CM Yogi referred to the Hindi proverb, stating that anyone can claim that the grapes are sour (Angoor Khate hai).
Yogi Adityanath criticizes the Opposition and questions why the Congress did not organize a similar ‘political event’.
CM Yogi Adityanath launched a scathing criticism against Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party’s claim that the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha is a ‘political event’, with Rahul stating today (on 16th January) that it is a ‘Modi ka function’.
He questioned why the Congress, who have ruled the country since 1947, didn’t organize such a ‘political event’ if they are so displeased with BJP governments doing it. CM Yogi asked why Rahul, who has been an MP since 2004 and has been controlling the government from behind the scenes, didn’t organize such an event.
He further condemned Rahul Gandhi and accused him of organizing events that insulted the Constitution of India. CM Yogi Adityanath stated that Rahul has consistently organized events that disrespect the Constitution of India, including tearing down ordinances passed by the Parliament.
In response to the opposition’s allegations that the Ram Mandir inauguration has been expedited due to election considerations, CM Yogi countered by asking why the Congress hasn’t attended this program. He questioned whether it is not true that in 1989, the Congress began its election campaign from Ayodhya itself. He further questioned whether it is not true that while the Congress deceives Hindus, it remains fixated on the Muslim vote bank.
He asserted that it is the Congress and other opposition parties who always play politics on this issue, while the BJP has never done so. He emphasized that the construction of the Mandir has always been the BJP’s objective, as stated in its election manifesto.
Continuing the interview, CM Yogi stated that some individuals had attempted to exploit Ayodhya for their personal gains. However, Ayodhya is now free from such influences. Our Vedas have revered Ayodhya as the foremost of the Saptapuris. Ayodhya is now being developed accordingly.
CM Yogi clarified that the allegations made by the opposition regarding the timing of Pran Pratishtha before the construction of the Shikar (Peak) of Ram Mandir are unfounded. He emphasized that the ritual is specifically for the installation of the idol and it is not the first time such a practice has taken place. CM Yogi further stated that all the events taking place in Ayodhya are in accordance with the scriptures. He also mentioned that, in Hindu tradition, the auspicious time for the program is after Makar Sankranti, and this date has been chosen accordingly.
Ayodhya has undergone a complete transformation:
CM Yogi highlighted the remarkable transformations that have occurred in Ayodhya. He emphasized that a decade ago, the notion of a four-lane road being constructed in the city seemed unimaginable. The city was plagued with dangling wires on electric poles and visible filth. The previous governments even failed to provide basic amenities like electricity to the people of Ayodhya.
However, CM Yogi proudly stated that today, Ayodhya boasts a four-lane road within its boundaries. The city now houses a modern railway station, replacing the once narrow gauge station, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Additionally, an international airport has been established in Ayodhya.
Furthermore, CM Yogi mentioned the introduction of a cruise on the Saryu River, a stark contrast to the past when governments resorted to violence, as seen in the tragic massacre of Ram Bhakts and Karsevaks during the 1990s under the Mulayam Singh Yadav government.
CM Yogi Adityanath firmly asserted that political leaders who failed to acknowledge the power of Lord Ram suffered a similar fate in their political careers, akin to the characters in scriptures who refused to accept God.
Addressing the reports of Shankaracharyas not attending the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha, the CM clarified that the Trust extended invitations to all Dharmacharyas and Acharyas. He emphasized that this occasion should not be about respect or insult, as no one, whether an ordinary citizen or the most prominent Dharmacharya in the country, is greater than Lord Ram. We are all dependent on Ram, and he is not dependent on us.