Political tensions have escalated in Uttar Pradesh ahead of Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav’s scheduled visit to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on 12 December. The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister demanded an apology from Akhilesh Yadav to Lord Ram’s devotees before his visit. The Chief Minister also addressed theft allegations involving temple offerings, with swift action taken by the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust and a Special Investigation Team. Akhilesh Yadav responded by questioning the Chief Minister’s silence over the culprits and accusing BJP of fearing the visit. Opposition leaders defended the visit as a matter of personal faith.