Political controversy erupts in Uttar Pradesh over 1990 firing as Akhilesh Yadav plans Ayodhya temple visit

A controversy has emerged in Uttar Pradesh surrounding the 1990 firing on kar sevaks in Ayodhya prior to Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav's visit to the Ram Temple on December 12. Sanatan Pandey defended the police action during Mulayam Singh Yadav's tenure as necessary to uphold the Constitution and law and order. The comments provoked backlash from kar sevak families and opposition leaders who questioned the Samajwadi Party's intentions. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticised the party, demanding a public apology from Akhilesh Yadav before his entry to Ayodhya. The BJP accused the visit of being politically motivated given the upcoming elections.