Akhilesh Yadav Claims ‘Shivling’ Lies Beneath Yogi Adityanath’s Official Residence; BJP Condemns Remarks

Samajwadi Party (SP) Chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday stirred controversy by claiming that a ‘shivling’ lies beneath the official residence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. His statement, which appeared to reference the ongoing excavation efforts across the state, drew a sharp response from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), particularly in the context of the violent clashes in Sambhal earlier this month.

Yadav made the remark while responding to a reporter’s question during a press conference about the ongoing excavation drives, which have focused mainly on mosques. His comments were seen as a direct response to the controversial excavation of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, an initiative undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under court orders. The excavation has sparked widespread protests and violent confrontations. “I am telling you that there’s a ‘shivling’ underneath the residence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and that place should be dug out. I urge all reporters to lead the crusade, and I will follow you all. I will ensure that you don’t turn your back on it. It’s a matter of my faith and belief,” Akhilesh Yadav said, almost breaking into laughter.

The former chief minister’s statement comes on the heels of violent protests in Sambhal on November 24, 2024, following the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. At least five people were killed, and dozens more were injured in clashes that erupted after a court-ordered survey, which claimed the mosque stood on land once occupied by a Hindu temple. Tensions in the region had been building since November 19, when the initial survey took place. In response to the violence, the UP police have arrested dozens and filed cases against over 400 people. The state government has also ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident.

The BJP was quick to respond to Yadav's comments, condemning them as “shameless” and accusing the former CM of undermining religious sentiments. “What problem does he have with the digging in Sambhal? This is an outright mockery of the Shivling, and we condemn it,” BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala said.