Amit Shah Accuses Samajwadi Party of Skipping Ayodhya Ceremony Over Vote Bank Fears

On May 2, 2024, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a scathing attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress leaders during a public meeting in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. Shah, who was campaigning for BJP candidate Chhatrapal Singh Gangwar, accused the opposition parties of skipping the Ram Temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22 because they feared losing their vote bank.

Why this matters: The controversy surrounding the Ayodhya temple consecration ceremony has significant implications for Indian politics, as it highlights the ongoing debate over religious identity and vote bank politics. The issue is likely to influence voter sentiment in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, particularly in Uttar Pradesh.

Addressing the issue of the Ayodhya temple consecration ceremony, Shah said,"Invitations were sent to SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, Dimple, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi, yet none of them attended the grand event. He claimed that the Congress stalled the issue of Ram Temple for 70 years, but after Narendra Modi secured his second term as Prime Minister, he cleared all obstacles, paving the way for the temple's inauguration.

Shah further alleged that SP and Congress leaders engage in politics of appeasement, prioritizing their vote bank over the welfare of the people. He stated that the current government has worked to eradicate terrorism and Naxalism in the country, citing the abolition of Article 370 and the response to Pakistan's incursions in Uri and Pulwama.

Criticizing the previous SP government in Uttar Pradesh, Shah claimed that the state was marred by riots, including massive riots in Bareilly in 2010 and 2012. He credited the BJP government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, with making UP riot-free. Shah also described the SP and Congress as family parties, citing the Yadav community's consideration of Akhilesh Yadav as their leader and the distribution of election seats among family members.

Throughout his speech, Shah emphasized the importance of propelling the country's economy to become the third-largest globally and making three crore 'lakhpati didis'. He criticized the opposition parties, particularly the SP and Congress, for their alleged failures and priorities.

With the Lok Sabha elections approaching, Amit Shah's accusations against the Samajwadi Party and Congress leaders for skipping the Ayodhya temple consecration ceremony have brought the issue of vote bank politics to the forefront. With the BJP focusing on development, national security, and the construction of the Ram Temple, the impact of these factors on voters in the upcoming elections remains to be seen.

Key Takeaways

• Amit Shah accuses SP and Congress of skipping Ram Temple consecration ceremony due to fear of losing vote bank.
• Shah claims Congress stalled Ram Temple issue for 70 years, but Modi cleared obstacles for its inauguration.
• Shah alleges SP and Congress engage in appeasement politics, prioritizing vote bank over people's welfare.
• Shah credits BJP government with making UP riot-free and eradicating terrorism and Naxalism.
• Shah emphasizes BJP's focus on development, national security, and Ram Temple construction in upcoming elections.