Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday accused the Opposition of "double standards" over allegations of irregularities in the handling of donations for the Ram temple in Ayodhya, saying those raising the issue had earlier opposed the temple's construction.
Addressing reporters before the start of the Monsoon Session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, Adityanath said the Ayodhya issue was being raised by people who had earlier taken action against Ram devotees during protests.
"The Ayodhya issue is being raised by those who had fired bullets at Ram devotees. They are the same people who used to resort to lathi-charge and firing when people raised the slogan of 'Jai Shri Ram'," he said, without naming any party.
The chief minister alleged that those questioning the management of temple donations had earlier attempted to delay the construction of the Ram temple through legal challenges.
"They talk about theft of donations meant for the Ram temple, but not a single penny for the temple's construction came from their pockets. The country and the world are watching their double standards," he said.
His remarks came as Samajwadi Party (SP) legislators staged a protest outside the Assembly on the opening day of the session, raising slogans over the alleged Ayodhya Ram Mandir donation issue, NEET paper leak, power supply problems and fertiliser shortages.
SP leader Shivpal Singh Yadav criticised the government for convening a three-day session, alleging that it was avoiding discussions on key public issues.
"By calling a three-day session, this government is doing a condemnable thing. There are many problems in the state, and the government is running away from these issues," Yadav told reporters.
SP legislators raised slogans including "Chanda chor gaddi chhod" during the protest, accusing the BJP government of failing to address public concerns.
Responding to the Opposition's allegations, Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Khanna said the SP was trying to create issues without a substantive agenda. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak also accused the Opposition of lacking issues and an agenda.
Meanwhile, Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana said the state government would present a supplementary budget during the session to provide additional funds for welfare schemes and other expenditure requirements.
Mahana said the supplementary budget was a routine constitutional exercise and would be presented on Tuesday, followed by discussion before being passed on the third day of the session. Adityanath said the budget included provisions to increase financial support for Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, cooks engaged in government programmes and village chowkidars.
(With inputs from PTI, ANI)