Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav has levelled serious allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming that if any political party in the world has collectively demolished the highest number of temples, it is the BJP. He said that a party which speaks at length about religious faith has, while in power, caused large-scale damage to religious sites.

Akhilesh Yadav said that the BJP projects itself as a protector of temples, but during its tenure many ancient temples and religious places were demolished or damaged in the name of development, beautification, and maintenance of law and order.

The SP chief alleged that under road-widening drives, corridor projects, and urban development schemes, religious structures were removed in several states, but governments failed to maintain transparency on the issue.

He further said that the BJP has used religion and faith solely for political gain. “Those who speak about temples from public platforms are the very ones who, after coming to power, get the maximum number of temples demolished,” Akhilesh Yadav said.

Demanding accountability from the central and state governments, the Samajwadi Party president said it should be made clear how many temples and other religious places were removed during development projects and whether the consent of local residents and religious organisations was taken.

Following Akhilesh Yadav’s remarks, political circles have witnessed heightened activity, with opposition parties also seeking an explanation from the BJP. At the time of filing this report, there was no official response from the BJP on the statement.