Ayodhya: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a sharp attack on the Opposition during the concluding ceremony of Deepotsav-2026 in Ayodhya on Saturday, demanding a public apology from those who had ordered firing on Ram devotees and allegedly obstructed the construction of the Ram Temple.
Addressing the gathering, Yogi said those who had questioned the existence of Lord Ram, opposed the temple movement and once claimed that even a bird could not enter Ayodhya were now aspiring to visit the Ram Temple. He said such people should first apologise publicly to Ram devotees and revered saints for their past actions and express remorse.
Referring to the events of 36 years ago, the Chief Minister said the waters of the Saryu had once been stained with the blood of Ram devotees. He described the 36 lakh earthen lamps illuminating Ayodhya as a symbol of the faith, determination and commitment of Ram devotees, as well as the changing face of India.
Yogi said the country was moving towards self-reliance and development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi through initiatives focused on heritage, infrastructure and public welfare. He alleged that certain forces were attempting to disrupt the country’s progress by encouraging Naxalism, terrorism and disorder.
Ram Rajya through security, good governance and prosperity
The Chief Minister said the concept of Ram Rajya described in religious scriptures was being translated into reality under the present government. When poor families receive free food, young people get employment, farmers receive recognition for their hard work, workers are paid fairly and women can travel safely, the principles of Ram Rajya are put into practice, he said.
He added that the government was working to bring changes to people’s lives through security, good governance and prosperity.
Ayodhya’s transformation reflects changing India
Highlighting the city’s development, Yogi said the scale of Deepotsav and the transformation of Ayodhya would have been difficult to imagine a decade ago.
He recalled that Ayodhya earlier faced shortcomings in electricity supply, sanitation and road infrastructure, while devotees had to negotiate narrow lanes to reach the makeshift structure where Ram Lalla was worshipped.
Today, he said, the city has four-lane roads leading to the Ram Temple, an international airport named after Maharishi Valmiki and expanded routes including Ram Path, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Path, Bhakti Path and Dharma Path.
He also referred to the development of Ayodhya railway station and the operation of modern trains such as Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat. The city is also developing a new identity as a solar city, he said.
Warning against crimes against women and social divisions
The Chief Minister said the light of Deepotsav should carry the message of security, good governance and prosperity to every village in Uttar Pradesh.
He asserted that people would have the freedom to chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’ in Ayodhya and exercise their right to worship without obstruction. He also warned those threatening the safety of women that they would face strict consequences.
Yogi criticised attempts to divide society along caste, religious, regional and linguistic lines. He said the ideals of Lord Ram stood for respect for every section of society, equal opportunities and security for all citizens.
Calling for collective efforts towards the goal of a developed India by 2047, he urged people to work together towards the national objective.
UP economy grows to Rs 36 lakh crore
Drawing a parallel between the growth of Deepotsav and the state’s economic progress, Yogi said the first edition of the festival in 2017 featured around 25,000 earthen lamps. This year, the number had reached 36 lakh.
He claimed that Uttar Pradesh’s economy had expanded from Rs 12 lakh crore to Rs 36 lakh crore during the period. He also said the state’s budget had grown to Rs 36 lakh crore, making it the largest among Indian states.
The Chief Minister accused previous governments of misusing public funds and alleged that corruption had weakened the state’s finances.
Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, revered saints, religious leaders and a large number of devotees attended the Deepotsav-2026 concluding ceremony.
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