RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale on Friday demanded severe punishment for those found guilty in the alleged theft of donations meant for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, calling for an end to the current state of confusion surrounding the issue.
RSS Calls for Strict Action
“It is essential to ensure that anyone found guilty after the investigation faces severe punishment,” Hosabale said. He stressed that the controversy has created unnecessary confusion and that a swift, transparent investigation is needed to restore public trust.
The remarks come amid reports of irregularities in the collection and management of funds for the Ram Temple construction. The temple trust has faced questions over the handling of donations, which reportedly total thousands of crores of rupees.
Background of the Donation Row
The Ram Temple trust, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, has been collecting donations from devotees worldwide since the temple’s foundation was laid. However, recent allegations of misappropriation have sparked political and public outcry.
Opposition parties have demanded a thorough investigation, with some calling for a judicial probe. The trust has denied any wrongdoing, stating that all funds are accounted for and used transparently.
Political Reactions
The issue has also led to political sparring. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused opposition parties of politicizing the matter, while the opposition claims the government is shielding the trust from accountability.
Hosabale’s statement is seen as an attempt to distance the RSS from any potential scandal, as the organization has deep ties to the temple movement. The RSS chief had earlier said that the matter should be investigated thoroughly.
Next Steps
Authorities are expected to complete the investigation soon. The temple trust has assured full cooperation. Hosabale’s call for severe punishment signals that the RSS wants the matter resolved quickly to avoid further damage to the temple’s image.
