A Congress delegation led by Uttar Pradesh party president Ajai Rai was placed under what the party termed 'house arrest' at a local university guest house on Tuesday, as they attempted to proceed to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The delegation was stopped en route and confined to the guest house, with police citing security concerns.
Champat Rai Denies Fund Theft Allegations
Meanwhile, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai has strongly denied allegations of fund theft related to the Ram Temple construction. Speaking to reporters, Rai called the charges 'baseless and politically motivated', stating that all financial transactions are transparent and audited. 'The trust has maintained complete financial discipline, and every rupee is accounted for. These allegations are an attempt to malign the temple construction effort,' he said.
Congress Demands Probe
The Congress party has demanded a thorough investigation into the alleged fund mismanagement. Ajai Rai, while under confinement, said, 'We came to Ayodhya to seek blessings at the Ram Temple and to demand a fair inquiry into the reported financial irregularities. Instead, we have been illegally detained.' The party has accused the state government of using heavy-handed tactics to suppress dissent.
Political Reactions
The incident has sparked a political firestorm. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized the administration, saying, 'Preventing elected representatives from visiting a place of worship is undemocratic. The BJP government is afraid of the truth.' The BJP, however, defended the action, stating that the delegation did not have prior permission for the visit and that security protocols were in place.
According to sources, the delegation was released later in the evening after being served a notice for violating section 144 of the CrPC, which prohibits unlawful assembly. The Congress has vowed to challenge the action legally.
