In response to the call of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana, MLAs from various political affiliations, barring the Samajwadi Party, ventured on a spiritual odyssey to Ayodhya to pay homage to Lord Ram.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, the MLAs commended Yogi and Mahana for extending the invitation.
“I am overwhelmed to be present at the ‘Darbar’ of Lord Ram. My dream has come true,” Mahana told reporters after his temple visit.
He reflected on the evolution of the site, from its humble origins to the grandeur it stands as today. “I never envisioned the temple would be such a majestic structure reflecting our religious and cultural ethos,” he said.
Accompanied by Ministers and legislators from the ruling coalition, Opposition members from parties including the BSP, the RLD, and the Congress set aside political disparities to partake in the collective reverence for Lord Ram.
Luxurious buses provided by the Transport Corporation facilitated the journey, resonating with the chanting of Ramdhun and adorned with vibrant flowers, creating a serene ambiance. Refreshments were provided for comfort, alongside thoughtful tokens of remembrance like diaries, pens, and calendars for each MLA.
As flower petals showered the luxurious buses upon arrival in Ayodhya, the journey symbolised a historic milestone, embodying the realisation of a centuries-old dream — the construction of the grand temple of Lord Ram. The unity displayed by the Government and MLAs across the political spectrum was praised as a testament to Yogi’s visionary leadership.
Such camaraderie, observers noted, would be remembered alongside the contributions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Yogi.
Reflecting on the pilgrimage’s significance, MLAs expressed overwhelming emotions and shared anecdotes of anticipation leading up to the journey. Some lamented the absence of the Samajwadi Party and its leader, Akhilesh Yadav, criticising their decision not to partake in the darshan of Lord Ram.
“Samajwadi Party MLAs should have joined us. One cannot view everything through a political prism,” remarked Janshakti Party MLA and former Minister Raja Bhaiya.
Members from Jayant Chaudhary’s Rashtriya Lok Dal were also part of the group, signaling potential shifts in political alliances ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
In interviews with the media, MLAs from various parties conveyed sentiments of reverence and gratitude.
Congress MLA Aradhana Mishra Mona reminisced about her longstanding connection with Awadh, deeming the pilgrimage an auspicious and deeply personal moment.
BSP MLA Umashankar Singh commended the government’s arrangements, emphasising his party’s commitment to secularism and denouncing any politicisation of the pilgrimage.
Nishad Party President and Government Minister Sanjay Nishad described the occasion as monumental, underscoring the emotional significance of reconnecting with Lord Ram after many years.
