Ayodhya/Lucknow: Ram Temple Construction Committee chairman Nripendra Misra on Sunday praised the Uttar Pradesh government's swift response to allegations of embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, highlighting the speed with which a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted.
Government's Prompt Action
Misra stated that the state government formed the SIT in less than 24 hours, a move he described as deserving appreciation. He acknowledged that concerns raised by citizens were justified and that he shared those concerns. However, he emphasized that the government's prompt action demonstrated its seriousness in addressing the matter. The focus, he said, should now be on allowing the SIT to complete its work without rushing to conclusions.
Misra urged the public to draw confidence from the government's quick constitution of the SIT and the strict timelines imposed for the inquiry. He noted that the probe would identify any shortcomings or lapses and provide recommendations for corrective action. Given the swift formation, seniority of members, and time-bound nature of the investigation, all stakeholders should wait for the findings before arriving at conclusions.
Political Reactions
Ayodhya MP Awadhesh Prasad expressed concern over the allegations, linking them to the faith of millions of devotees who visit the temple and make offerings in the name of Lord Ram. He demanded a thorough and independent investigation to preserve the sanctity of the temple and public trust. Prasad called for suspending the existing temple trust pending the inquiry and forming an independent committee under Supreme Court supervision to examine all aspects of the alleged fraud, including donation handling, accounting practices, and fund movement.
Senior BJP functionary and Ram Janmabhoomi movement veteran Vinay Katiyar also demanded a thorough investigation and strict action against anyone found responsible, including temple trust members if involved. He described the allegations as serious, not minor irregularities, and said they had deeply disturbed those who spent decades fighting for the temple's construction. Katiyar hinted at visiting the temple on Monday.
Recalling sacrifices during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, Katiyar noted that many leaders and activists faced imprisonment and political setbacks for the temple cause.
Temple Construction Update
Discussing developmental works, Nripendra Misra said major infrastructure projects are progressing according to revised timelines. The four-kilometer-long boundary wall is expected to be completed by the end of August 2026. The construction strategy has been modified to accelerate work by opening multiple fronts simultaneously instead of sequential construction from one direction.
Work will commence at six different locations simultaneously, providing better access for machinery, manpower, and materials, which is expected to significantly increase construction speed. Misra also updated on 25 watch towers planned around the temple complex as part of security and monitoring infrastructure, ensuring timely execution and strengthened security.
Ram Katha Museum
Regarding the proposed Ram Katha Sangrahalaya (Ram Katha Museum), a major cultural and interpretative centre, Misra said conceptual work for galleries has reached an advanced stage, and the narrative framework for exhibits is largely complete. Galleries have been designed, scripts are almost finished, and the storyline for each section has been finalized. The next phase involves developing audio-visual content and video presentations based on these scripts, though this component is running behind schedule.
