Yogi Adityanath visits Ram Janmabhumi site, says Ayodhya is his personal belief

It’s an effort by me to protect and promote our age-old culture, says the UP Chief Minister.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the Hanuman Garhi in Ayodhya on Thursday.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday visited the disputed Ram Janmabhumi site, a day after the mega pre-Diwali celebrations organised by his government in this temple town.

Speaking to reporters after the visit, Mr.Adityanath said that Ayodhya was his personal belief and opposition parties had no right to question him on it.

On the second day of his visit here, Mr. Adityanath after having stayed for the night at the Faizabad circuit house, offered prayers at the Hanumangarhi temple before going to the Ram Janmabhumi site.

Later, speaking to mediapersons, the priest-turned-politician said, “Ayodhya is my personal belief and it is my duty to develop Ayodhya,” adding that he had “given instructions for complete cleanliness and hygiene for the temple town”.

“By celebrating a grand Diwali in Ayodhya, I have not started a new practice but it is an age-old tradition here to celebrate the homecoming of Lord Rama,” he said. He said this was an effort by him to protect and promote our age-old culture, he added.

“I am trying to bring the Ayodhya town on the world tourist map by ensuring all-round development,” the Chief Minister said.

After visiting Hanumangharhi and Ram Janmabhumi site, Mr. Adityanath went to Digambar Akhara, where he had breakfast with about a dozen ‘Mahants’. He also visited the Sugreev Qila temple to meet its ailing priest Purushottamacharya.