SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav To Visit Ayodhya Ram Temple With Family On December 12, First Visit Since 2024 Consecration

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav plans to journey to Ayodhya on December 12 for a visit that includes prayers at the Ram temple. This marks his first visit since the consecration of Ram Lalla in January 2024. Deputy leader Pawan Pandey revealed the visit's date, stating Akhilesh would be joined by his wife Dimple Yadav and their children. Pandey emphasized the visit's religious nature, explaining that Akhilesh plans to spend the entire day in Ayodhya.

Upon reaching the Ram temple, Akhilesh will offer prayers to Ram Lalla before proceeding to the Hanumangarhi temple to seek blessings from religious figures like saints, seers, and mahants. It is also likely that Akhilesh will pay visits to other religious establishments and engage with members of the seer community. He intends to share prasad with the saints during his visit, according to Pandey.

Regarding the theft incident at the Ram temple, Akhilesh plans to pray for justice against those involved. He also aims to seek the blessings of Ram Lalla and Lord Hanuman. The proposed visit gains political significance, as Akhilesh has faced criticism from the BJP for not visiting the shrine since its consecration. BJP leaders have frequently questioned his absence from the temple, turning it into a recurring issue.

The SP leadership maintains that the visit is solely religious in nature, even as the decision is likely to draw considerable political attention.