Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday invoked the story of Kalnemi from the Ramayana while warning supporters of the Ram temple movement against what he described as attempts to undermine the cause.
Addressing an event in Lucknow to mark the birth centenary of former Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Ashok Singhal, Adityanath said those he described as “Bajrangis” should be cautious of “Babri bhakts” seeking to enter the Ram temple movement and damage its image.
Yogi Compares Critics to Kalnemi
Adityanath compared such figures with Kalnemi, the demon in the Ramayana who, according to the epic, was sent by Ravan to prevent Hanuman from reaching the Himalayas to bring the Sanjeevani herb for Lakshman.
He said supporters of Lord Hanuman should identify such “Kalnemi” figures and prevent them from using the movement to defame or insult the Ram temple cause.
Adityanath also said that people who had earlier opposed the Ram temple were now presenting themselves as devotees of Lord Ram, describing this as an “ideological victory” for the VHP.
Yogi Speaks on Cow Protection
During his speech, the UP chief minister also criticised unnamed groups for submitting memoranda seeking that the cow be declared the national animal.
Without naming anyone, Adityanath questioned the description of the cow as an animal and said devotees should instead work towards cow protection and rearing.
His remarks came while speaking about the cultural and religious issues associated with the Ram temple movement.
Adityanath Targets Congress
Adityanath also targeted the Congress, alleging that the party had previously submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court claiming that Lord Ram and Lord Krishna did not exist.
He accused the party of repeatedly insulting Hindu beliefs.
These were claims made by the chief minister in his speech and were not independently established in his remarks.
Yogi Highlights Changes in Ayodhya
The chief minister also contrasted present-day Ayodhya with the city’s condition in previous decades.
He said Ayodhya had lacked basic infrastructure, including proper roads, electricity, cleanliness and other civic facilities. Referring to Ram Ki Pauri, he said stagnant water had once been a major problem there.
Adityanath said the site was subsequently redeveloped and that the flow of the Saryu was restored through the area. He also pointed to the development of wider roads and the construction of the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport as examples of changes in Ayodhya.
Ashok Singhal’s Role in Ram Temple Movement
The event was held to commemorate Ashok Singhal, who was a prominent VHP leader and a major figure in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
Singhal was born on September 27, 1926, and 2026 marks his birth centenary.
Adityanath also recalled the events of 1990, when security forces opened fire during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement in Ayodhya. He credited Singhal with continuing to lead the movement despite the confrontation with the then Uttar Pradesh government led by Mulayam Singh Yadav.
The VHP has announced year-long programmes across India and abroad to mark Singhal’s centenary, with events focusing on his life and his contribution to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
