“They Fired on Devotees, We Light Lamps”
Taking a direct jab at the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the larger INDIA bloc, Adityanath said those who once “fired bullets on karsevaks” during the Ram Mandir movement now refrain from even visiting Ayodhya. His remarks referred to the 1990 incident when police opened fire on devotees participating in the Ram temple agitation under the then Mulayam Singh Yadav-led government.
“Those who once bathed Ayodhya in blood now cannot bear to see it shining with diyas. They fired on devotees; we light lamps in their honor,” Adityanath said to loud cheers from the gathering at Ram Ki Paidi.
Diwali of Pride and Devotion in Ayodhya
The temple town, which saw the historic Ram Mandir consecration earlier this year, is hosting a record-breaking ‘Deepotsav’. The celebration includes over 24 lakh earthen lamps lit along the ghats of the Sarayu River, symbolizing the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.
Adityanath described the event as “the world’s largest Diwali”, celebrating both devotion and national pride. He said, “Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ayodhya has become a beacon of India’s cultural renaissance.”
Attack on Opposition’s Record
Adityanath accused previous governments, especially the Samajwadi Party, of neglecting Ayodhya’s development and suppressing its religious identity. “For decades, Ayodhya remained ignored and insulted. Today, it stands as the spiritual capital of India,” he said.
He also criticized the Opposition alliance for “politics of appeasement,” contrasting it with his government’s agenda of faith-based tourism and inclusive growth.
Massive Security and Public Enthusiasm
Over 5,000 security personnel have been deployed across Ayodhya for crowd management and safety. Despite tight security arrangements, devotees from across the country thronged the ghats, chanting “Jai Shri Ram” and participating in cultural performances depicting the Ramayana.
Ayodhya’s New Era of Faith Tourism
The city’s transformation since the temple inauguration in January 2024 has drawn global attention. With new infrastructure, riverfront beautification, and the upcoming Ayodhya International Airport, the government aims to make the temple town a global religious tourism hub.
Adityanath concluded his speech by urging citizens to “keep the flame of dharma and nationalism alive,” symbolizing Diwali as a festival of both spiritual and cultural awakening.
