GORAKHPUR, July 11 -- Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday invoked Ram Manohar Lohia, a Samajwadi Party icon, to hit out at the Akhilesh Yadav-led SP. He claimed that while Lohia was a true devotee of Lord Ram, today's so-called socialists have strayed from his ideals. "Today's self-proclaimed socialists fire bullets at Ram bhakts. They have nothing to do with the ideals of Dr Lohia, who was a genuine devotee of Lord Ram," Adityanath said during the conclusion of the week-long Shri Ram Katha and Guru Purnima Mahotsav at the Gorakhnath Temple. The comment about modern socialists opening fire on Ram Bhakts was a reference to the police firing ordered on kar sevaks in Ayodhya in the 1990s when Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav was the Uttar Pradesh chief minister. Yogi Adityanath, who is also head of the Gorakshpeeth, emphasised Dr Lohia's belief in spiritual unity and the transformative power of chanting Lord Ram's name. He asserted that the soul of India is rooted in the worship of Lord Ram, Krishna, and Shiva. "Not a single leaf can move in India without them," he declared. He accused modern-day socialists of abandoning Lohia's vision and warned, "Those who oppose Ram are bound for ruin." The chief minister highlighted Dr Lohia's efforts to uphold cultural heritage by initiating Ramayana fairs and advocating spiritual traditions as a source of national unity. "Lohia believed that as long as the worship of Ram, Krishna, and Shiva continues, no power on earth can harm India," he added. Underscoring the cultural impact of Ram Katha, Adityanath said such stories are vital elements of Indian values. He also referred to the epic TV serial Ramayana, which drew over 66 crore viewers at a time when there were no mobile phones, internet, or social media-demonstrating the deep spiritual connection Indians have with Lord Ram. Citing the story of Marich from the Ramayana, he remarked, "Despite being born into a noble family, Marich met a tragic end. The message is clear-wrong actions lead to downfall. One must align thoughts and actions to avoid such fate." Highlighting the inclusive spirit of Sanatan Dharma, the CM shared a statement made by a Muslim woman advocate: "My method of worship may be Islam, but my religion is Sanatan." He clarified that Sanatan Dharma transcends religious boundaries and represents the eternal values of Indian civilization. Yogi Adityanath also stressed the spiritual and intellectual significance of Guru Purnima, observed in honour of sage Ved Vyasa, who organised the vast body of Vedic knowledge. "When the rest of the world was in darkness, India was producing the Vedas," he said. CM flays YouTubers for targeting Mahakumbh Taking a veiled dig at some YouTubers who reportedly criticised arrangements during the Prayagraj Mahakumbh held earlier this year, Yogi said, "They tried to provoke devotees by spreading negativity, but got a fitting response. The roads we walk on are part of the same system. Negativity solves nothing. India is now moving forward with pride in its heritage and a clear vision for development." The Shri Ram Katha and Guru Purnima Mahotsav concluded with the participation of hundreds of devotees and sadhus. A large community feast (bhandara) was organised on the occasion....