On December 29, 2024, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that a ‘Shivling’ (a symbolic representation of Lord Shiva) lies beneath the official residence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow. He suggested that, following recent excavations at historical sites in the state, the area under the CM’s residence should also be examined.
Source:- bbc news
Context of the Claim
Yadav’s statement comes amid political tensions over archaeological excavations in Uttar Pradesh. Recently, a 250-foot-deep stepwell from the 1857 revolt era was uncovered during an archaeological survey in Sambhal district. This discovery followed excavations in the Laxman Ganj area, leading to discussions about the significance of such sites. citeturn0search2
Source:- news 18
Political Implications
Yadav’s remark appears to be a critique of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its approach to historical excavations. He cautioned that indiscriminate digging might not lead to meaningful solutions and referenced the Places of Worship Act, which prohibits the conversion of places of worship. He further remarked, “They will keep searching like this and one day, by digging and digging, they will end up digging their own government.” citeturn0search2
BJP’s Response
In response, BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi dismissed Yadav’s claim as baseless and politically motivated. He suggested that Yadav’s statement was an attempt to divert attention from the SP’s internal issues and criticized the SP for making unfounded allegations. citeturn0search2
Public Reaction
The exchange between Yadav and the BJP has sparked public interest, with discussions focusing on the implications of such claims and the broader political dynamics in Uttar Pradesh. The debate highlights the intersection of politics, religion, and historical preservation in the state.
For a detailed account of Akhilesh Yadav’s statement and the subsequent political reactions, you can watch the following video:
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