Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday, 26 October, declared that repeated attempts were made to block the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the city's overall development, and the establishment of its airport — but the double-engine government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi overcame every obstacle to fulfil the long-cherished aspirations of millions of devotees. He made these remarks while addressing a public gathering in Kanpur on the occasion of Valmiki Jayanti.

Development Projects and GCC Summit

At the event, CM Adityanath inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 48 development projects in the region, collectively valued at over ₹411 crore. He also announced the launch of the GCC Innovation Summit 2026 to be held in Lucknow, describing it as a platform aimed at generating opportunities in technology research and high-skilled employment for the youth of Uttar Pradesh.

Tribute to Maharishi Valmiki and Bithoor's Significance

Extending greetings on Valmiki Jayanti, the Chief Minister underscored the cultural weight of the occasion, noting that last year a public holiday was declared in recognition of the day. He said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government had begun a tradition of organising continuous Ramayana recitations in temples across the state.

'This is a very auspicious day, as we are celebrating the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki. Today, programmes have been held in thousands of temples across the state since morning to express devotion and respect for Maharishi Valmiki,' Adityanath said.

He paid special attention to Bithoor — the Kanpur-adjacent town traditionally associated with Maharishi Valmiki and regarded as the place where Lord Ram's sons, Luv and Kush, were raised. 'Bithoor is a land that has demonstrated that where women are respected, brave children like Luv and Kush display their courage and valour. This is the land where the world's first epic, the Ramayana, was composed by Adi Kavi Maharishi Valmiki,' he said.

Ayodhya and the Allegation of Obstruction

Speaking on Ayodhya's transformation, Adityanath alleged that previous governments had left the holy city deprived of adequate infrastructure, reliable electricity, and basic cleanliness for decades. He specifically accused earlier Indian National Congress (Congress) and Samajwadi Party (SP) administrations of neglecting the city.

'When devotees of Lord Ram joined the Ram Janmabhoomi movement in Ayodhya, some people tried every possible way to obstruct the construction of the Ram Temple, the development of Ayodhya and the construction of an airport there. However, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the double-engine government has fulfilled the sentiments of devotees by ensuring the construction of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya,' he said.

Criticism of Opposition Parties

The Chief Minister sharpened his political criticism by referring to the Congress and Samajwadi Party as 'Chhote Miyan' and 'Bade Miyan' respectively, accusing both parties of promoting anarchy and fomenting communal unrest. This comes amid an ongoing political contest in Uttar Pradesh, where the BJP is seeking to consolidate its narrative around religious heritage and infrastructure delivery ahead of future electoral cycles.

The remarks signal that Ayodhya's development — anchored by the Ram Temple consecrated in January 2024 — remains a central plank of the ruling dispensation's political messaging in the state.