Vishva Hindu Parishad International President Alok Kumar has demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into alleged irregularities in donations made to the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, asserting that anyone found guilty should face the strictest punishment under the law. Kumar welcomed the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's request for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe and urged the public to await the findings before drawing conclusions.
Sacred Donations Must Be Protected
Kumar stressed that donations made by crores of devotees are sacred and any breach of trust must be dealt with firmly. He said, "The donations given by millions of devotees are not just money; they are an expression of faith. Any irregularity in handling these funds is a serious matter that requires a transparent and unbiased investigation." He added that the SIT should be given full freedom to probe without any interference.
Political Exploitation Ahead of 2027 Elections
At the same time, Kumar criticised the Samajwadi Party and Congress for politicising the issue ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. He accused them of attempting to exploit the controversy for political gain. "The Samajwadi Party and Congress are using Lord Ram for their electoral benefit in 2027. They have no real concern for the temple or the devotees; their only aim is to gain political mileage," Kumar said.
Call for Non-Partisan Investigation
Kumar reiterated that the investigation should proceed without bias or interference. He said, "We welcome the Trust's decision to seek an SIT probe. The public should wait for the findings before making any judgments. The guilty, whoever they are, must be punished to uphold the sanctity of the donations." He also urged the media and political parties not to sensationalise the matter.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy erupted after reports suggested discrepancies in the collection and utilisation of donations for the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple construction. The Trust, which oversees the temple's construction, has denied any wrongdoing and voluntarily sought an SIT probe to clear the air. The temple, being built in Ayodhya, is a landmark project for the Hindu community, with donations pouring in from across the country and abroad.
Reactions from Political Parties
The Samajwadi Party and Congress have demanded a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said, "The faith of crores of people has been betrayed. We demand a CBI probe into the matter." Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra echoed similar sentiments, calling for transparency in the temple's funding. However, the BJP and VHP have accused them of double standards, pointing out that they had opposed the temple construction earlier.
Impact on Devotees
The controversy has caused concern among devotees who contributed to the temple fund. Many have expressed hope that the SIT probe will bring clarity. "We donated with full faith. If there is any wrongdoing, it must be exposed and those responsible punished," said a devotee from Varanasi. The Trust has assured that all donations are accounted for and that it will cooperate fully with the investigation.
