The year began with Ayodhya preparing for the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple. Nearly four months later, the initial excitement has subsided, and some voters attribute the BJP to fulfilling its promise, while others believe that development should be widespread across the district.
Prajjwal Singh, a resident of Arhgarha Chauraha, shared with PTI that Ayodhya's transformation commenced on January 22 with the Ram temple consecration ceremony.
"On January 22, 2024, the promise that was made to us by various BJP leaders was fulfilled in a grand manner. From that day, Ayodhya set out on the path of development," he said.
"The hospitality sector has seen visible growth. A number of eateries and food joints have come up. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath deserve a round of applause for such a positive transformation of Ayodhya," Prajjwal Singh told PTI.
He said there are some traffic woes in the area, but they are temporary and will be resolved.
Tulsinagar resident Amit Pathak said that growing up, he witnessed Ayodhya's political and physical transformation.
"No prime minister or chief minister has visited Ayodhya as often as Narendra Modi and Yogi Adityanath. Electric buses, railway station beautification and airport inauguration are some examples of this transformation," he said, adding that today, it is easier to reach Ayodhya from any other part of the country.
Himanshu Varma, a resident of Nirmochan Chauraha, stated that Ayodhya has experienced development, but it will take time to reach the entire district.
Yashvendra Pratap Singh, a resident of the Khajurhat area of Ayodhya, mentioned that the Ram temple has undoubtedly had a positive impact on people's minds, giving the BJP an edge over its rivals.
"However, infrastructure development should also occur in the outskirts of Ayodhya," he said.
"Holistic development of the entire district should take place. For example, the pilgrims who come to visit the Ram temple have to walk a few kilometres in scorching heat. There should be arrangements to provide water to them," he added.
Homepathy doctor Indroneel Banerjee said issues like parking and sewerage systems need attention.
"These elections will definitely be fought by the ruling party in the name of Lord Ram. A number of positive things have happened. The service sector has benefited in the last four months thanks to the Ram temple," he said.
"But some problems like lack of parking space remain. Having parking lots is essential for a city that wants to take the next step in road traffic management. The sewerage system could be a challenge in the days to come. We will learn what steps have been taken to tackle waterlogging," he said.
Shailesh Singh, a resident of the Balapakauli area, suggested building rest houses for pilgrims and taking steps to minimise traffic jams.
Adarsh Prakash believes that inflation and income tax relief, not the construction of the Ram temple, are the primary issues in this election.
The polling for the Faizabad Lok Sabha constituency will take place in the fifth round of the seven-phase elections on May 20. The constituency comprises five assembly segments -- Dariyabad, Rudauli, Mikipur (SC), Bikapur, and Ayodhya. Dariyabad is located in the neighbouring Barabanki district, while the remaining four assembly segments are in the Ayodhya district.
The Faizabad constituency has 1,927,459 eligible voters.
Thirteen candidates are in the fray, including the incumbent BJP MP Lallu Singh and Samajwadi Party's sitting Milkipur MLA Awadhesh Prasad.
Lallu Singh is aiming for a hat-trick from the seat.
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