Amid the ongoing political debate surrounding archaeological surveys in Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav has made a provocative statement, claiming that a 'Shivling' lies beneath the official residence of the state’s Chief Minister in Lucknow.
Yadav called for the excavation of the site, adding fuel to the already intense political discourse.
Speaking to reporters in Lucknow, Yadav stated, “There is a Shivling under the Chief Minister’s residence in Lucknow. It should also be excavated.” This comment has sparked controversy, particularly in light of the growing political tensions over the state government’s recent archaeological surveys.
Yadav's remarks seem to be a direct response to the increasing number of surveys being conducted across Uttar Pradesh, which have uncovered several historical and religious relics, including ancient structures and artefacts.
The political storm intensified following the discovery of a 250-foot-deep stepwell in Sambhal, which was unearthed as part of an archaeological survey. The stepwell, believed to date back to the time of the 1857 revolt, was uncovered with the help of bulldozers in the Laxman Ganj area.
This discovery occurred just days after the ruins of an ancient Banke Bihari temple were found in the same region, further fuelling the controversy.
Yadav has repeatedly criticised the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing them of using these archaeological findings as a tool to divert public attention from pressing issues, such as the rising unemployment rate and the ongoing agrarian crisis in the state.
According to Yadav, the government is using such excavations to shift focus from the real challenges facing the people of Uttar Pradesh.
He further questioned the need for continuous digging, saying, “Digging everywhere will not get us to any solution. There is a Places of Worship Act in our country, which prohibits such things.”
The law he referred to aims to protect the religious character of places of worship in India, making the use of archaeological findings to alter religious sites a sensitive issue.
Yadav’s criticism of the BJP extends beyond the archaeological surveys. He also took a swipe at the BJP’s governance, asserting that despite the party’s long tenure in power both at the centre and in Uttar Pradesh, unemployment has reached record levels.
“They have been in power in Delhi for ten years and for seven years in Uttar Pradesh, and unemployment has reached a record level,” Yadav remarked, highlighting the growing discontent over the economic situation in the state.
Follow us
