Since the Yogi government came to power in 2017, Ayodhya has been a major focus in the state budgets. This year the Yogi government presented a budget of 5.5 lakh crore rupees, which is the highest for any state, and Ayodhya got a fair share of money from the state’s coffers. The Finance Minister of Uttar Pradesh allocated 140 crore rupees for the Surajkund project through the housing department and 101 crore rupees for the airport in the city, which is named ‘Maryada Purshottam Shriram Airport’.
Moreover, 100 crore rupees were allocated to the development of Ayodhya through the state tourism department for the promotion of religious tourism, and 300 crore rupees for the construction of roads leading to Ram Janmabhoomi. Overall, the city got around 658 crore rupees from the coffers of the Yogi government this year.
The residents of Ayodhya are very happy with the city of Lord Ram is being restored to its former glory by the Yogi government. “The land of Ram is being readied to redeem its glory in modern times. It’s heartening to know that the government is pooling in funds to make the transition happen,” said a resident.
This is not for the first time that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken a bold move to revive the glory of the ancient city. Ever since the BJP stormed to power in Uttar Pradesh, CM Yogi has worked towards reviving the glory of Ayodhya. Shortly after assuming the office of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, he visited the birth city of Lord Ram and became the first CM to do so after 2002.
He not only offered prayers at the Ram Janambhoomi site but also performed rituals at the banks of the Saryu River and promised to beautify ghats of the historic river apart from holding a grand Sarayu Mahotsav. On the eve of Diwali in 2019, CM Yogi organised grand Diwali celebrations in Ayodhya.
It is clear that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has realised the cultural and spiritual significance of Ayodhya. It is a significant centre of spiritualism not only for the people of Ayodhya but also for the nation. He has also realised that there is an economic angle to this as well. Ayodhya is a historic city and has a huge tourism potential which must be tapped. Without caring for political backlash, Yogi Government is on the path to reviving the glory of Lord Ram’s birthplace.
If all goes according to plan, Ayodhya shall soon reclaim its rightful place as India’s cultural nucleus. Unlike other governments that have been embarrassed by Ayodhya’s association to India’s Hindu past and have actively or passively disregarded its development, the Yogi Adityanath administration is going all out to ensure that the ancient town becomes an exemplar for the respect of tradition coupled with development.
In spite of the lack of amenities and infrastructure, the piety of Lord Ram’s devotees has ensured that Ayodhya stays firmly on Uttar Pradesh’s religious tourism map. Yogi Adityanath government now intends to capitalise on the town’s tourism potential and inject it with a dose of development.