A controversy has emerged in Uttar Pradesh surrounding the historical 1990 firing on kar sevaks in Ayodhya, coming just ahead of Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav's planned visit to the Ram Temple on December 12. The political friction intensified after Sanatan Pandey defended the historical police action that occurred during the tenure of former Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, describing the measures as necessary to uphold the Constitution and maintain law and order.
These remarks quickly provoked a sharp backlash from affected kar sevak families and various opposition figures, who questioned the true intentions behind the Samajwadi Party's current stance. Critics argued that justifying the past violence disrespects the sentiments of those who participated in the movement.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath strongly criticized the party over the ongoing fallout, demanding that Akhilesh Yadav issue a public apology before setting foot in Ayodhya. Meanwhile, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has accused the opposition leader of staging a politically motivated pilgrimage in light of upcoming electoral contests.