'This is just the beginning': Yogi Adityanath says Kashi, Mathura must also shine like Ayodhya

NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said that Ayodhya 's transformation demonstrates the " double-engine government delivering on its promise" and Kashi , Mathura should undergo similar development.

Speaking at the eighth Deepotsav celebration in Ayodhya, the first since the Ram temple consecration on January 22, Yogi Adityanath said, "This is a historic first as after 500 years, Lord Ram is now in his abode in Ayodhya for Diwali."

"This is just the beginning and this beginning has to reach its logical conclusion. So by 2047, when the country celebrates 100 years of its independence, Kashi and Mathura must also shine like Ayodhya," news agency PTI quoted him as saying.

"The double engine government has delivered on its promise (construction of Ram temple) and now is the turn of Ayodhya to prove itself. Remember, this 'agnipariksha' of Maa Sita should not happen again and again. We have to come out of this (bane)... People of Ayodhya must come forward once again (for this). This is why we are here today for this grand celebration."

He also hit out at the opposition for impeding governmental progress, stating, "Just like mafias, these barriers would also be eliminated."

Adityanath explained that Ayodhya's development aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to enhance Sanatan Dharma's heritage globally.

He stated, "On January 22 this year, after 500 years of wait, Lord Ram Lalla was once again enshrined at his birthplace, sending a message to the oppressed and troubled world that one should never stray from their path as this approach would surely lead to success."

"There is much more to be done. This is just the beginning. Ayodhya is the starting point for Sanatan Dharma, translating Prime Minister Modi's vision of heritage and development into reality on the ground, and taking that mission to the global stage," Adityanath said.

"Today, Kashi (Varanasi) is shining. The world is witnessing the grandeur and divinity of Kashi," he said, adding that the government was determined to make Ayodhya one of the most beautiful cities in the world.