BJP IS SCARING PEOPLE OF AYODHYA

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has once again taken aim at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), this time accusing it of spreading fear among the residents of Ayodhya. During his recent address in Parliament and later while interacting with the media, Gandhi alleged that the BJP is using religious sentiments and administrative pressure to manipulate people’s emotions and silence dissenting voices in the temple town.

Gandhi claimed that since the consecration of the Ram Mandir in January, the BJP has tightened its political and ideological grip on Ayodhya. According to him, many residents feel they are being watched or controlled, particularly those who raise concerns about displacement, rising costs, or the state of local businesses. He described the atmosphere in Ayodhya as “oppressive” and “unnatural.”

Citing ground reports and feedback from local Congress workers, Rahul alleged that several small shopkeepers and traditional artisans have been forced to vacate their long-standing establishments without adequate compensation. “They’re scared to speak up because they fear retaliation from authorities aligned with the BJP,” he said, accusing the state government of running Ayodhya like a police state.

He also questioned the government’s definition of development. “Development is not just about grand buildings or religious ceremonies. It is about making sure the common man can live with dignity and without fear,” Gandhi said, pointing to rising inequality in the region despite the massive investments poured into temple-centric infrastructure.

Rahul Gandhi further expressed concerns over what he called the “monopolization of faith.” He argued that religion is being hijacked for political gain, with dissenters being branded as anti-Hindu or anti-national. “Faith is personal. But when one party begins to act as the sole custodian of that faith, it becomes a dangerous tool of control,” he warned.

The Congress leader also drew parallels between Ayodhya and other cities in Uttar Pradesh, where he alleged a similar pattern of fear, land acquisition controversies, and political favoritism. He said the people of Ayodhya deserved more than symbolic gestures and should have a real voice in shaping the town’s future.

Rahul concluded his remarks by appealing to the people of Ayodhya to resist fear and reclaim their space. He reiterated that the Congress would stand by those who have been marginalized or silenced in the name of development and religion. “Ayodhya must belong to all its residents, not just to a political narrative,” he said.

The BJP, on its part, has rejected Rahul Gandhi’s remarks as “irresponsible and disconnected from the ground reality.” Party leaders said the development in Ayodhya is historic and transformative, and accused the Congress of playing divisive politics ahead of upcoming elections.