Rahul Gandhi, Kharge write to PM Modi seeking probe into Ram temple donation theft
- Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to PM Modi seeking a probe into donation theft at Ayodhya Ram temple.
- The Congress leaders said devotees feel betrayed by the alleged mismanagement of funds.
- They cited PM Modi's 2020 Lok Sabha speech on temple donations to demand accountability.
Congress leaders demand answers on Ayodhya temple funds
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a thorough probe into the alleged theft of donations collected at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. In their letter, the two leaders said the incident has left devotees feeling betrayed.
The letter, made public on Sunday, comes amid growing political controversy over the management of funds at the under-construction temple. The Congress has accused the trust overseeing the project of a lack of transparency.
'Your silence is unacceptable'
Gandhi and Kharge wrote that the Prime Minister's silence on the matter was unacceptable. They pointed to the deep emotional and financial investment of millions of Hindus who contributed to the temple's construction.
“Devotees who donated their hard-earned money with faith now feel cheated. The least they deserve is a clear account of what happened to their offerings,” the letter stated.
PM's 2020 speech cited
The Congress leaders drew attention to a speech PM Modi made in the Lok Sabha in 2020, where he spoke about the importance of transparency in temple donations. They argued that the same principles should apply to the Ram temple trust.
“In 2020, you spoke passionately about ensuring every rupee donated to temples is accounted for. We ask you to apply that same standard now,” the letter said. The opposition has been pressing for a judicial or parliamentary inquiry into the alleged theft.
Political reactions and next steps
The Bharatiya Janata Party has not yet issued an official response to the Congress letter. Party spokespersons have previously dismissed the allegations as a politically motivated attack on the temple project.
The Ram temple trust, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, has denied any large-scale theft, stating that internal audits are conducted regularly. However, the Congress has demanded a probe by a neutral agency.
The issue is expected to be raised in the upcoming Parliament session. The opposition is likely to seek a statement from the government on the status of donations and the security of funds at the temple site.