'Why is BJP worried?' Akhilesh gives fresh PDA definition ahead of Ayodhya visit

NEW DELHI: Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday hit back at the BJP over its criticism of his proposed December 12 visit to the Ram temple in Ayodhya, asking why the ruling party was worried about the PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) outreach.

"God belongs to everyone. So why should we not visit these places? We will visit Kedareshwar, Mathura and Vrindavan as well. We have been visiting these places before, and we will continue to do so," Yadav said.

Giving a fresh interpretation to the PDA acronym, he said, "PDA: Pehle darshan, phir Aashirvaad. So why is the BJP so worried about the PDA?" He added that his family already had the blessings of Shiv and Ram Gopal. Turning the attack towards the BJP, Yadav questioned what answer it had for the alleged large-scale corruption and destruction in the state, and the loss of lakhs of crores of rupees.

"In our family, Shiv and Ram Gopal are already there. We already have their blessings. So the BJP should not be worried. The question is, what answer does the BJP have for the massive loot and destruction that has taken place, and for the loss of lakhs of crores of rupees?..." he said.

His remarks came after Uttar Pradesh BJP president Pankaj Chaudhary challenged Yadav to visit the Ram temple on December 6 instead of December 12 and apologise for the killing of kar sevaks during the SP government's tenure. Chaudhary alleged that Yadav's proposed visit was a political ploy and asked him to repent for what he described as the SP's past actions.

BJP MLC Subhash Yaduvansh also asked the SP chief to apologise to kar sevaks and their families before visiting the shrine. Yadav's proposed December 12 visit would be his first to the Ram temple since its consecration in January 2024.

The exchange comes months ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.