Now Reading: Akhilesh Yadav to visit Ayodhya Ram Temple on 12 December
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Akhilesh Yadav to visit Ayodhya Ram Temple on 12 December
The Story in Brief
Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav will visit the Ram Temple in Ayodhya with his family on 12 December, his first visit since the temple's consecration in January 2024. The announcement was made by SP leader Pawan Pandey, who said Yadav will first offer prayers at Hanumangarhi before proceeding to the Ram Temple. The visit comes months ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.
Reacting to the plan, BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi said those who 'fired at Ram devotees' were now visiting the temple because of elections, adding that 'Ram Bhakts won't forgive him for his sins'. Political observers cited by Hindustan Times see the move as an attempt to counter the BJP's narrative branding the SP as anti-Hindu. Yadav had earlier said he would visit the temple once construction of the Kedareshwar temple in Etawah was complete.
Update, 7 November 2026: India TV now also reports the story, confirming the 12 December date and quoting Pawan Pandey's announcement. The outlet adds that Yadav visited Ayodhya on 8 October 2026 for a Bhagwat Katha but did not visit the temple. BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi's criticism is quoted in full, including the line 'You took far too long to arrive, Your Excellency'.
Indian Opinion Analysis
All three outlets report the same facts: Yadav's 12 December visit, Pawan Pandey's confirmation, and BJP criticism by Rakesh Tripathi. Hindustan Times adds political observer commentary framing the visit as a bid to counter BJP's anti-Hindu narrative. Times Now and India TV quote Tripathi's 'fired at Ram devotees' remark, with India TV publishing his full statement. The coverage is uniform straight reporting across sources, no outlet adopts a pro-government or critical stance. The open question remains whether the visit will shift voter perception ahead of the 2027 UP assembly elections.
Coverage: 3 sources, 3 neutral
Sources (3): timesnownews.com (neutral report), hindustantimes.com (neutral report), indiatvnews.com (neutral report)
This brief was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above, so one read covers every framing they carry. Methodology and corrections.
Update, 7 November 2026: further reports on this story from aajtak.in, tv9hindi.com.
