Akhilesh Yadav Claims Shivling Located Under Yogi Adityanath's Official Residence In Lucknow

Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav made a controversial claim on Sunday, asserting that a 'Shivling’ lies beneath Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's official residence in Lucknow.

He called for an excavation to verify the claim during a press conference in the state capital, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Akhilesh’s Remark Sparks Debate

"There is a Shivling under the Chief Minister's residence in Lucknow. We know this. It should also be excavated," Yadav told reporters, adding fuel to the ongoing debates surrounding excavations and religious structures.

Criticism of BJP’s Excavations in Sambhal

Yadav also criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over recent excavation activities in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) unearthed an ancient stepwell in the Chandausi area, sparking local interest and political commentary, as reported by Hindustan Times.

“They will keep digging like this, and one day, they will end up digging their own government,” Yadav quipped, taking a jab at the BJP's policies and actions.

Excavations in Chandausi Continue

Officials from the Chandausi municipality confirmed that nearby encroachments are being cleared to trace the full extent of the stepwell. According to Krishna Kumar Sonkar, executive officer of the municipality, the excavation has entered its eighth day.

Violence Erupts in Sambhal

Tensions flared in Sambhal on November 24 during ASI’s examination of a Mughal-era mosque, leading to violent clashes. The unrest resulted in four fatalities and several injuries among police and locals, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Authorities have since intensified efforts to restore order. Sambhal's Additional Superintendent of Police, Shrish Chandra, revealed that 50 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence. Among them, Adnan, a key suspect, was apprehended from Delhi's Batla House.

Political Fallout

Akhilesh Yadav’s comments have added a fresh layer of controversy to the BJP-led state government’s excavation activities. His statements also highlight growing political tensions around religious and historical excavations in Uttar Pradesh, drawing sharp reactions from various quarters, as per media reports.

As the debate unfolds, Yadav’s remarks have reignited discussions about the intersection of religion, politics, and governance in India's largest state.