Ballia, July 10 -- Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Sanjay Nishad on Friday criticised Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav over his remarks on the Ram Mandir donation row, alleging that the opposition was attempting to politicise the issue and asserting that the temple has emerged as a major centre of faith and tourism.

Speaking to ANI, he said Ayodhya has become a major destination for devotees and tourists after the construction and inauguration of the Ram Mandir, adding that the opposition should have attended the consecration ceremony instead of raising political issues now. Nishad alleged that Akhilesh Yadav's remarks were politically motivated.

"Ayodhya is a centre of faith and tourism. People used to go to Goa, but today they come...