Lucknow, November 12: The Yogi Adityanath led Uttar Pradesh government is planning a complete ban on the sale of liquor and meat in Ayodhya district. Reports say that the official announcement by the state is expected shortly. This news comes just days after Faizabad was renamed Ayodhya by the Uttar Pradesh government. 'Faizabad District to be Renamed as Sri Ayodhya', Announces UP CM Yogi Adityanath in Diwali Speech.

A demand was made by the sadhu community that Ayodhya being the birthplace of Lord Ram, sale of meat and liquor be banned from the district. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had participated in mega Diwali celebrations in Ayodhya and speaking on the issue of Ram Mandir construction, had said that he would give the "good-news" soon.

Yogi Adityanath went on to announce the setting up of a new airport in Ayodhya, which will be named after Lord Ram. The UP CM also said that a medical college will come up in the district, in the name of king Dasarath, father of Lord Ram. On the issue of the construction of Ram Temple at the disputed site, the CM said that "Mandir tha, hai aur rahega" (the temple was there, is there and will continue to be there). Yogi Adityanath's 'Tallest Ram Statue' Bid Evokes Opposition From Ayodhya Head Priest.

He also announced the construction of a grand statue of Lord Ram, terming it the largest statue of Lord Ram. However, Yogi Adityanath's announcement to install the tallest Ram statue in Ayodhya evoked a sharp criticism from Mahant Satyendra Das, the head priest in Ayodhya.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 12, 2018 09:36 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).