Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday launched a fresh attack on the BJP over the alleged misappropriation of donations meant for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, accusing the ruling party of placing money above faith and questioning how the alleged irregularities went unnoticed despite the government's close monitoring of the temple town.

Addressing reporters in Azamgarh, Yadav said the controversy surrounding temple offerings had shaken the sentiments of devotees and raised serious concerns about the handling of funds linked to one of Hinduism's most revered pilgrimage centres.

"For the BJP, money is the only religion," the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said, alleging that public faith had been betrayed by those entrusted with safeguarding donations made in devotion.

His remarks come amid an ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities related to Ram Temple donations. The Uttar Pradesh government had constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) following political controversy over the issue. Based on the probe's findings, an FIR was registered and multiple arrests have been made. The investigation is continuing.

Questioning the government's oversight, Yadav asked how such alleged wrongdoing could have escaped the attention of authorities when Ayodhya remained under constant administrative focus.

"Why is it that, despite making so many visits, he (Yogi Adityanath)┬аremained unaware of the activities taking place within the temple complex?" he asked.

The SP chief also raised questions about the SIT investigation, saying the circumstances surrounding the submission of the report warranted greater transparency.

Alongside his criticism of the BJP, Yadav sought to project an alternative vision for Ayodhya, pledging to transform the temple city into a globally recognised centre of spirituality if his party returns to power.

In a post on X, he said his party was committed to developing Ayodhya into a "peerless and inimitable sacred city" that would attract devotees from around the world and offer an authentic spiritual experience rooted in faith and tradition.

"With the blessings of the Lord, we shall restore and flourish the eternal ethos of Ayodhya as the тАШSiyaram DhamтАЩтАФimbued with faith and devotion, unwavering belief, and genuine sentiment," he added.

With agency inputs

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