Ayodhya (UP), Oct 30 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) double-engine government has delivered on all its promises for Ayodhya and now it’s Ayodhya’s turn once again to reciprocate.
While addressing the public during a programme organised at Ram Katha Park under Deepotsav, the CM said that Mother Sita’s 'Agni Pariksha' should not be repeated.
"We need to move beyond this curse," he said.
Recalling the first Deepotsav celebration, he said, "The Ram Katha Mandap was once a small gathering place. At that time, the crowd had one request, 'Yogi ji, build the temple'."
Yogi said, "I assured them by saying the lamps you light are more than mere lights, they represent the faith of Sanatan Dharma and blessings from Lord Ram will surely follow."
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said that on August 5, 2020 while the world faced the Covid pandemic, the PM visited Ayodhya.
"With deep reverence, PM Modi honoured Ayodhya's heritage and laid the foundation stone for the Shri Ram temple, marking a historic moment for the nation," he said.
The CM said that this year is truly extraordinary for Ayodhya, describing it as wonderful, unique, supernatural and incomparable.
He emphasised that on January 22 the 500 year wait will finally end as Lord Shri Ram took his place once more at his birthplace in Ayodhya, symbolising the message to never stray from one’s path and to embrace struggle as a path to success.
He said, "This event is a time to honour the countless souls who dedicated their lives to the Ramjanmabhoomi movement and to receive the blessings of Lord Ram."
Yogi offered gratitude to the revered saints who were a part of this journey.
Reflecting on the commitment fulfilled, he recalled the sacrifices made by three and a half lakh people who sacrificed their lives with the sole desire of seeing a Ram temple in Ayodhya.
"Their vision has been realised, as Lord Ram is now seated again in Ayodhya, making this the first Deepotsav following his enthronement," he said.
The CM pointed out that while earlier promises were spoken about, they have now been fulfilled, transforming Ayodhya into a city illuminated and revived.
"Before 2017, Ayodhya faced a lack of basic infrastructure, with poor roads, dark ghats and neglected temples," he said.
He criticized previous administrations that questioned the existence of Lord Ram and the value of Sanatan Dharma, stating that this government’s dedication has led to Ayodhya’s resurgence as a spiritual and cultural heritage.
Yogi expressed immense joy over the eighth edition of Deepotsav, calling it a momentous occasion. Reflecting on January 22 he recalled how devotees from across the country gathered in Ayodhya, with many overcome by emotion, some shedding tears as they embraced temple pillars, others bowing down in reverence.
He remembered the painful past, marked by violence in Ayodhya and along the Saryu River, yet affirmed, "What we promised, we have delivered."
The CM emphasised, now Ayodhya must once again shine and not be subjected to repeated trials, like Sita’s Agni Pariksha.
"It’s time for Ayodhya to embrace a grand and divine transformation," he said while urging the community to join in making this vision a reality.
He said Ayodhya's remarkable progress, highlighting how projects worth Rs 31,000 crores are either completed or near completion.
"Ayodhya is only the beginning for Sanatan Dharma, our heritage, and development," he said.
Yogi said, "Today, the transformation of Ayodhya and Kashi shines brightly, drawing global attention. No one could have imagined Ayodhya with four-lane roads named Dharma Path, Ram Path, Janmabhoomi Path and Bhakti Path."
Recalling the past, he mentioned how residents once endured intense heat and stale water at Ram Ki Paidi.
"Today, the river Saryu flows freely here, and Ayodhya stands as India’s first solar city," he said.
He proudly pointed out that while Lord Ram once returned to Ayodhya on the Pushpak Viman thousands of years ago, a plane could not land here until now.
"With PM Modi’s support, Ayodhya now has an international airport, welcoming pilgrims from across the globe to a city reborn with a vision of grandeur and devotion," Yogi said.
The CM targeted the previous governments on opposing the development in Ayodhya, stating that they initially questioned the existence of Lord Ram and later became obstacles to progress. He pointed out that these individuals claimed his government was exploiting farmers and traders during the construction of a four-lane road.
He argued that without this road, millions of devotees would not have been able to visit Ayodhya to worship. He affirmed that his government is committed to removing these obstacles, much like it has made UP a safer place by eliminating the mafia.
Speaking about Sanatan Dharma, Yogi highlighted its role in embracing all humanity without harming anyone.
"Sanatan Dharma has welcomed every faith and helped all in adversity," he said.
He criticised political agendas that question Sanatan Dharma under the guise of secularism, stating that such politics foster division. He vowed that any force attempting to obstruct Sanatan Dharma or development in Ayodhya would face the same fate as the mafia in UP.
He said, "We will not rest until Ram’s work is completed and until all obstacles to Sanatan Dharma are removed."
The CM expressed pride in India's democratic values, stating that on January 22, Sanatanis worldwide acknowledged the significance of democracy in Ayodhya. He highlighted Ayodhya as a unique example of how judicial decisions are effectively implemented.
Citing Lord Ram’s deep connection to Awadhpuri as his birthplace, he criticised those who questioned the existence of God, emphasising that such doubts reflect on their faith and heritage.
Yogi pointed out that UP, as the most populous state in India, plays a crucial role in the country's progress.
He mentioned that the government is organising continuous programmes in significant cultural sites like Kashi, Ayodhya, Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Kaushambi and Kushinagar to foster a blend of heritage and development.
Yogi assured that the double-engine government is committed to the upliftment of Naimisharanya and the development of Shuktirtha, focusing on health, education, employment, and security. He said that when Bajrang Bali's mace falls on major criminals and mafias, they face consequences akin to the demons Khar and Dushan.
The CM emphasised that the systems established in Ayodhya should be replicated in Kashi and Mathura, as the government takes steps to ensure development, eradicate poverty and alleviate suffering across the state.
During the event, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, Cabinet Ministers Surya Pratap Shahi, Swatantra Dev Singh, Jaiveer Singh, Satish Chandra Sharma, MLA Ved Prakash Gupta, District Panchayat President Roli Singh, Mayor Mahant Girishpati Tripathi, MLC Hariom Pandey along with Jagadguru Ramanujacharya Swami Raghavacharya Ji Maharaj, Vishvesh Prapannaji Maharaj, Ramdineshcharya Ji Maharaj, Mahant Kamalnayandas of Maniramdas Cantonment, Awadhesh Das, Rajkumar Das, Devendra Prasadacharya, Bharatdas, Dharamdas, Mahant Santosh Das, Ramdas Ji Maharaj and saints and officials of Ayodhya were present on the occasion,
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