Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday (September 27) asked supporters of the Ram mandir movement to remain cautious about what he described as attempts to defame the movement.
Addressing an event in Lucknow to mark the birth centenary of former VHP leader Ashok Singhal, Adityanath referred to supporters of Hanuman as “Bajrangis” and warned them against what he called “Babri bhakts” attempting to associate themselves with the Ram mandir movement.
He compared such people to Kalnemi, a character from the Ramayana who, according to the epic, was sent by Ravana to obstruct Hanuman while he was on his way to obtain the Sanjeevani herb for Lakshman.
Adityanath said supporters of the movement should identify such “Kalnemi” figures and prevent them from using the Ram mandir cause to defame or insult it.
‘Those who opposed Ram mandir now claim to be devotees’
The Uttar Pradesh chief minister also said that people who had earlier opposed the Ram mandir were now presenting themselves as devotees of Bhagwan Ram.
He described this change as an “ideological victory” for the VHP and its long-standing Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
The remarks came during an event dedicated to Ashok Singhal, who played a prominent role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. Singhal was born on September 27, 1926, and 2026 marks his birth centenary.
The VHP has announced year-long programmes in India and abroad to commemorate Singhal’s life and his contribution to the movement.
“’Bajrangis’ (Hanuman devotees) must remain vigilant regarding ‘Kalnemi’ figures who infiltrate the cause of Ram.
It is essential to identify these Kalnemis who will try to defame and insult the movement.
You, the devotees of Bajrangbali, must not allow the conspiracies of… pic.twitter.com/R2GntdSxDB
— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) September 28, 2026
Yogi raises cow protection issue
During the address, Adityanath also spoke about cow protection and criticised unnamed groups for submitting memoranda seeking that the cow be declared the national animal.
Without naming the groups, he questioned the description of the cow merely as an animal and urged devotees to focus instead on cow protection and rearing.
His remarks came while discussing broader cultural and religious issues associated with the movement.
Congress allegations over Bhagwan Ram and Krishna
Adityanath also criticised the Congress and alleged that the party had previously submitted an affidavit before the Supreme Court claiming that Bhagwan Ram and Krishna did not exist.
He accused the party of repeatedly insulting Hindu religious beliefs.
These were allegations made by the chief minister during his speech and are presented here as his claims.
Yogi highlights changes in Ayodhya
The chief minister also spoke about the transformation of Ayodhya, contrasting the city’s present infrastructure with conditions in previous decades.
He said Ayodhya had earlier faced problems related to roads, electricity, cleanliness and other civic facilities.
Referring to Ram Ki Pauri, Adityanath said stagnant water had previously been a major issue at the site. He said the area was subsequently redeveloped and the flow of the Saryu was restored.
He also cited wider roads and the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport as examples of infrastructure development in Ayodhya.
Ashok Singhal and the Ram Janmabhoomi movement
The Lucknow event was organised to commemorate Ashok Singhal’s birth centenary.
Singhal was one of the most prominent VHP leaders associated with the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and played a key role in mobilising support for the mandir campaign.
Adityanath also recalled the events of 1990, when security forces opened fire during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement in Ayodhya. He credited Singhal with continuing to lead the movement during the confrontation with the then Uttar Pradesh government headed by Mulayam Singh Yadav.
The event formed part of programmes marking Singhal’s centenary and his role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
