Sanjay Raut attributes the escalation of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement to Mulayam Singh Yadav, crediting him for ordering the firing on Kar Sevaks.

Sanjay Raut, a Shiv Sena leader, made a controversial statement ahead of the Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha in Ayodhya on January 22nd. Raut claimed that Mulayam Singh Yadav, the former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, contributed to the construction of the Ram Mandir by ordering firing on Kar Sevaks during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement in 1990. According to Raut, this action by Yadav played a role in shaping the movement. He also alleged that the BJP is trying to politicize the Ram Temple and criticized Prime Minister Modi, stating that the construction of the temple is his government's biggest failure.

Raut further commented on the involvement of Shankaracharyas in the controversy, stating that people now consider PM Modi as the 5th Shankaracharya. He claimed that the public pays more attention to Modi's views than the traditional Shankaracharyas. However, Shankaracharyas such as Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Mahaswamiji emphasized unity among Hindus and urged them to participate in the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha.

In addition, Raut mocked the upcoming Pran Pratishtha event, calling it a political affair and suggesting that the BJP might declare Lord Ram as their election candidate. Another Shiv Sena leader, Sushma Andhare, faced legal action for making controversial remarks about Lord Rama and questioning Lord Krishna's character in a speech where she expressed dissatisfaction with Lord Rama's actions towards Goddess Sita.