Samajwadi Party (SP) President Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday, 1 July launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that the ruling party places donations above national interest. Speaking at a press conference at the SP headquarters in Lucknow — also his 53rd birthday — Yadav tied the criticism to alleged irregularities involving offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, accusing the BJP of exploiting religious faith for political gain.

The 'Donation First' Charge

Yadav delivered a pointed jab at the ruling party's stated ideological positioning. 'The BJP is focused not on the nation but on donations. For them, it is not 'Nation First' but 'Donation First',' he said, drawing applause from party workers gathered at the event. He alleged that the Ram Temple donation controversy had raised 'serious questions across the country' and that the BJP was 'playing with people's faith and sentiments.'

The SP chief further claimed that the government was deliberately attempting to divert public attention from pressing issues — including recurring examination paper leaks — by stoking controversies around political funding and temple affairs. He also alleged that government agencies were being weaponised against those who question the authorities.

PDA Swabhiman Sahyog Campaign Announced

Alongside the political offensive, Yadav used the occasion to announce the 'PDA Swabhiman Sahyog' campaign, a grassroots fundraising initiative for the Samajwadi Party. The campaign will operate through a QR code-based system, encouraging supporters to contribute a minimum of ₹20 to strengthen the party organisation. The move signals SP's intent to build a broad donor base ahead of future electoral contests.

Education and Health Failures Flagged

Yadav also trained his sights on the Uttar Pradesh government's record on public services. He alleged that repeated paper leak incidents were 'adversely affecting the future of students from poor and middle-class families,' and that the weakening of the government school system had pushed students toward private coaching institutes — which, he claimed, were themselves now facing government pressure.

He further alleged that primary schools were being shut down across the state, and that even primary health centres (PHCs) and community health centres (CHCs) in Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's home district were in poor condition — a pointed dig at the BJP's governance record in its own stronghold.

Ram Temple and the Constitution

Yadav sought to frame the Ram Temple controversy within a broader constitutional and civilisational argument. He said Lord Ram symbolises the ideals of Indian culture and the Sanatan tradition, while the Constitution represents the dignity and values of democracy. He accused the BJP of betraying 'religion, the Constitution, faith, and public trust' simultaneously.

The SP President asserted that Lord Ram would always remain the object of devotion for followers of the Sanatan tradition, but alleged that the BJP was cynically seeking political benefits in his name. He added that the public was 'fully aware of these issues' and would respond 'at the appropriate time' — widely understood as a reference to upcoming elections. This comes amid a broader political battle in Uttar Pradesh where the Ram Temple has emerged as a contested symbol between the BJP and the Opposition.