'If I have to lose power for Ram Mandir, so be it': Yogi Adityanath recalls 2017 Ayodhya visit

NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said that in 2017 he was cautioned by some on his plan to visit Ayodhya and how it would lead to controversy regarding the Ram Temple. The CM, however, said that the three generations of his family were dedicated to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and that even if he had to lose power for the Ram Mandir, he would have no regrets.
When a plan was made to celebrate Deepotsav in Ayodhya in 2017, some people had questioned the move but today millions of devotees participate in the festival, Adityanath said.
"Three generations of my family have been dedicated to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi movement. However, the government system is deeply entrenched in bureaucracy, and a large section of it used to warn that visiting Ayodhya as chief minister would create controversy. I said, let a controversy take place if it has to, but we must think about Ayodhya," CM Yogi Adityanath said.
He added that some within the bureaucracy cautioned him that his visit would inevitably spark discussions about the Ram Mandir. "I asked them — did I come into power for this? If I have to lose power for Ram Mandir, so be it. I have no problem," he asserted.

CM Yogi recalled how Deepotsav at Ayodhya took shape. "I told Awanish Awasthi to visit Ayodhya quietly and explore how Deepotsav could be organized. He conducted a survey and suggested that it should happen. Today, Deepotsav has become a grand celebration, a festival of Ayodhya and its people. Every year, thousands come to participate," he said.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CM Yogi credited him for integrating Virasat (heritage) and Vikas (development), making it easier for devotees to visit Shri Ram Mandir. "Earlier, people wanted to come to Ayodhya but were held back due to a lack of leadership. Today, lakhs of devotees arrive, and we thank PM Modi for uniting Virasat and Vikas," he said.
Calling Ayodhya the base of Sanatan Dharma in India, Adityanath said, "It is the first 'Puri' (holy pilgrimage site) among the 'Sapta Puri'. It is the land that inspired Sanatan Dharma."
In 2016-17, 2.34 lakh devotees visited Ayodhya, but today more than 16 crore people are coming here to visit Lord Ram's temple, which is a symbol of the increasing glory and grandeur of the holy city, Adityanath said.
Referring to the Ramayana and Ramcharitmanas by Valmiki and Tulsidas, respectively, the chief minister said Ayodhya has always been the centre of literature and culture.
"Just as Maharishi Valmiki immortalised the Ram 'Katha' across the world, every creation related to Ayodhya also touches the hearts of the people even today. Ramayana and Ramcharitmanas are still read and appreciated in every corner of the country and the world," Adityanath said.