Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and LoP is Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding an independent investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple and questioning his silence on the matter.
Event Context
In a joint letter, LoPs said devotees who had contributed to the temple with faith and devotion deserved answers and accountability.
The demand comes weeks after allegations of theft of donations offered at the temple surfaced, triggering a police investigation that has so far resulted in eight arrests and the resignation of two senior functionaries of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
Sharing the letter on X, Kharge said, “Our joint letter to PM Modi demanding an independent and comprehensive investigation into the financial affairs of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Lakhs of devotees who donated their hard-earned money with faith, devotion and trust are feeling betrayed by the theft.”
The Congress leaders said the matter had shaken public confidence and argued that the prime minister’s silence was “unacceptable”. They urged him to ensure accountability and restitution in the case.
The alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple first came to light in early June.
Acting on a complaint filed by the Trust, police registered an FIR on June 25 and arrested eight men in connection with the case. The investigation is ongoing.
The controversy has also led to the resignation of two senior Trust officials, intensifying scrutiny of the temple’s financial management.
Rahul Gandhi and Kharge have now sought a comprehensive and independent probe into the Trust’s financial affairs, saying devotees who contributed their hard-earned money deserve complete transparency.
