BY MOHAMMAD ZAHID AKHTAR
Lucknow: Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) national president and Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad on July 6th launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of exploiting the faith of millions of devotees through alleged irregularities in donations made to the Ram Temple. Addressing a press conference in Lucknow, Azad demanded a Supreme Court-monitored Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the controversy, while also outlining his party’s political strategy for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
Speaking on the alleged donation controversy, Azad described the issue as far more serious than a case of theft, calling it an “assault on the faith of crores of Ram devotees.” He alleged that the BJP had used the name of Lord Ram for electoral gains and was now using it for financial benefits. “First they sought votes in the name of Lord Ram, and now they are taking money in His name,” Azad said, alleging that such actions had deeply hurt the sentiments of devotees across the country.
In one of his strongest remarks, Azad drew a historical comparison, saying, “Mahmud of Ghazni looted temples only a few times, but the BJP has built an entire pipeline of loot so that it can continue every day.” He alleged that the silence of both the government and those accused reflected an attempt to shield influential individuals and warned that the ruling party would eventually face political consequences. Demanding an impartial investigation, Azad questioned the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), arguing that it had been constituted without the registration of a First Information Report (FIR), which, according to him, was inconsistent with due legal procedure.
Claiming that the SIT was intended to suppress rather than uncover the truth, he insisted that only a CBI investigation monitored by the Supreme Court could ensure transparency and fairness. He also criticized several religious leaders and self-styled spiritual figures, alleging that many had chosen to remain silent despite the seriousness of the allegations. The press conference also marked a significant political development with former Uttar Pradesh Education Minister Dr. Masood Ahmad formally joining the Azad Samaj Party along with his supporters.
Dr. Ahmad has previously served as the Uttar Pradesh president of the Rashtriya Lok Dal and has also been associated with the Indian National Congress. Welcoming the veteran leader into the party, Azad said experienced leaders from the Bahujan movement would strengthen the party’s organizational structure and expand its outreach ahead of the next Assembly elections. Looking toward the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, Azad expressed confidence that the Azad Samaj Party would emerge as a decisive political force. He claimed that no government would be able to form in the state without his party’s support and said the party would extend support only to a political formation willing to accept its 30-point agenda.
“No government will be able to form in Uttar Pradesh in 2027 without our support,” he asserted. Azad also criticized the growing trend of political defections, saying ideological commitment had weakened across parties. Referring to recent political developments, including Rajya Sabha elections, he remarked that it was no longer just individual politicians changing sides but “entire political parties that are breaking apart.”
Calling for greater social solidarity, Azad appealed to farmers, labourers, youth, women, Dalits, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Adivasis and Muslims to unite in the fight for justice and equal rights. He argued that genuine social harmony, rather than temporary electoral alliances, would be the key to defeating the BJP in Uttar Pradesh. He further revealed that the Azad Samaj Party had conducted six days of interviews to identify prospective candidates for nearly 350 Assembly constituencies across the state.
In addition, the party has organized statewide conferences involving intellectuals, consultations on issues concerning the Muslim community and conventions focused on the rights of backward classes as part of its organizational expansion. Chandrashekhar Azad said the Azad Samaj Party remained committed not only to contesting elections but also to building an ideology-driven mass movement aimed at achieving social justice, constitutional values and inclusive political representation.
