Uttar Pradesh's political battle ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections is increasingly revolving around Ayodhya and the Ram Mandir. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav's announcement of visiting Ram Janmabhoomi on December 12 has triggered a fresh political confrontation between the BJP and the Samajwadi Party. Ahead of his proposed visit, Akhilesh has also promised to develop Ayodhya as the global capital of Sanatan pilgrimage.