‘Organised Loot’ Of Over ₹1,400 Cr In Ram Temple Donations: Congress
UP Congress president Ajai Rai has alleged that funds contributed by devotees towards the Ram Temple in Ayodhya had been misused and claimed that an “organised loot” involving more than ₹1,400 crore had taken place (Image: PTI)
The Congress on Tuesday intensified its attack on the BJP and the RSS over allegations of financial irregularities linked to donations received by the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, demanding a time-bound judicial investigation supervised by a sitting High Court judge.
Addressing a press conference at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajai Rai alleged that funds contributed by devotees had been misused and claimed that an “organised loot” involving more than ₹1,400 crore had taken place. He asserted that the matter required an independent and transparent inquiry beyond the scope of the ongoing investigation by the Uttar Pradesh government.
“The responsibility for this organised loot lies solely and exclusively with Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Rai said. “A time-bound investigation should be conducted by a sitting judge of the High Court, and strict action must be taken against all those found guilty.”
The Congress leader accused the BJP and its ideological affiliate, the RSS, of exploiting public faith and misappropriating donations made in the name of Lord Ram. According to him, the allegations surrounding the handling of temple offerings have raised serious concerns that cannot be addressed through a routine administrative inquiry.
“BJP-RSS functionaries have carried out organised loot at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi,” Rai alleged. “The Special Investigation Team should complete its inquiry within a week and make its findings public so that devotees and citizens know the truth.”
Congress questions credibility of SIT investigation
Rai also questioned the credibility of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government to investigate the allegations. He claimed that one of the officials associated with the probe was already facing scrutiny in another high-profile matter, thereby raising doubts about the independence and effectiveness of the investigation.
“Under such circumstances, it appears that the BJP government is merely going through the motions rather than conducting a serious investigation,” he said.
The Uttar Pradesh government recently formed a three-member SIT to examine allegations relating to the handling of donations at the Ram Temple. The panel is headed by Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant and includes Inspector General of Police Kiran S and Finance Department Special Secretary Neel Ratan.
The SIT has already begun its inquiry and visited the Ram Temple complex in Ayodhya along with senior district officials as part of its fact-finding exercise.
Congress leader Aradhana Mishra Mona, who was present at the press conference alongside Rai, also accused the BJP and RSS of corruption in matters connected to the temple project. She alleged that irregularities extended beyond donations and included other aspects of the temple’s development and management.
“From the construction of the Shri Ram Temple complex to the offerings made by devotees, BJP-RSS has committed a scam at every stage,” Mishra alleged.
She further referred to reports regarding the disappearance of 1,250 stones inscribed with the words “Shri Ram,” claiming the issue reflected a broader pattern of mismanagement and lack of accountability.
“The manner in which BJP-RSS has deceived those who have faith in Lord Ram now stands exposed before the country,” she said.
The controversy surrounding donations to the Ram Temple gained momentum after opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party, alleged that large sums of money contributed by devotees had been misappropriated. The allegations have triggered a political debate over transparency and financial accountability in the management of one of the country’s most significant religious projects.
However, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has strongly denied any wrongdoing. Trust general secretary Champat Rai has defended the institution, maintaining that regular audits are being conducted and that no evidence of financial irregularities has been established.
According to officials, it was the Trust’s own request for an independent examination of the allegations that led the Uttar Pradesh government to establish the Special Investigation Team. The SIT is now expected to examine the claims, review financial records, and submit its findings after completing the investigation.
As political parties continue to trade allegations and counter-allegations, the focus remains on the outcome of the probe, which is expected to determine whether the accusations of financial misconduct have any basis or whether the Trust’s assertion of clean financial management is upheld.
