The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday, 6 July hit back at Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav over his remarks on the alleged Ram Mandir donation embezzlement case, asserting that the SP and the Indian National Congress (Congress) hold no moral authority to question the matter given their long-standing opposition to the Ram Temple construction in Ayodhya.

Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak's Rebuttal

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, reacting to Yadav's criticism of the state government, acknowledged the incident as 'very unfortunate' but accused the Opposition of attempting to exploit a matter tied to public faith for political gain. Speaking to reporters, Pathak said, 'The incident is very unfortunate. However, the people of this country and every follower of Sanatan Dharma know that the Samajwadi Party and the Congress have consistently opposed the Ram Temple.'

Pathak alleged that both parties had previously argued before the Supreme Court that Ram Lalla's birthplace had not been established. He further warned, 'Lord Ram will not forget what they have said. They have repeatedly tried to defame Sanatan Dharma. I again ask them to introspect and explain why they remain silent on the Waqf Board and its properties.'

BJP Spokesperson Raises Temple Visit Question

BJP national spokesperson R.P. Singh extended the attack, saying those who had chosen not to visit the Ram Temple should refrain from questioning matters related to it. 'Even when the consecration ceremony took place, you had the opportunity to visit, but you did not. Therefore, you do not have the right to raise questions on this issue,' Singh said.

Opposition Voices: NCP-SP and Shiv Sena UBT

Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MP Supriya Sule demanded a comprehensive investigation into the alleged embezzlement, stressing that corruption at any religious site must be dealt with firmly. 'From Ayodhya to Ujjain, these are places of our faith and devotion. If there is any corruption in such places of faith, we will fight against it with full strength,' she said.

Sule also recalled the decades-long struggle for the temple's construction, noting contributions by leaders including Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L.K. Advani, and Sushma Swaraj. 'The donations came from devotees across India and abroad. Therefore, a proper enquiry should be conducted,' she added.

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey declined to enter the political exchange, saying the matter should be viewed through the lens of faith. 'This is a matter of our devotion to Lord Ram. We stand with Lord Ram with our body, mind and wealth,' Dubey said.

Background: How the Controversy Erupted

The political row escalated after Akhilesh Yadav, on 28 June, criticised the Uttar Pradesh government over alleged financial irregularities in Ram Mandir donations, remarking that 'for some, donation comes before the nation.' He also questioned how the alleged misappropriation could have gone unnoticed despite Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's frequent visits to Ayodhya.

BJP national spokesperson Ajay Alok alleged that one of the accused, Ramashankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav, had been in phone contact with Akhilesh Yadav — a claim the SP has not publicly responded to. Alok claimed that 'more layers' of the case were yet to be uncovered. This is the latest flashpoint in a deepening political standoff over the Ram Mandir, which was consecrated earlier this year and has since become a contested terrain between the ruling BJP and the Opposition ahead of state-level electoral cycles.

What Happens Next

Demands for an independent inquiry into the alleged embezzlement are growing across party lines, even as the BJP and SP trade accusations over political motivation. Whether a formal probe is ordered — and by whom — is likely to determine how long this controversy remains in the political spotlight.