Former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has demanded a Supreme Court-monitored probe into the alleged theft of funds collected for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. He accused those who exploited religious faith for political gains of orchestrating a massive financial fraud under the guise of the temple project.
Allegations of Financial Misappropriation
Speaking to the media on Friday, Vijayan alleged that the fund collection drive, which garnered widespread public support, was tainted by irregularities. He claimed that the money collected from devotees across the country was not fully utilized for the temple construction but was instead siphoned off by individuals with political motives.
“The people who used the faith and emotions of millions for their political advantage have also committed an organized financial fraud under its cover,” Vijayan said. He emphasized the need for an impartial investigation to restore public trust.
Demand for Supreme Court Oversight
Vijayan called on the Supreme Court to monitor the probe, stating that a fair inquiry was impossible under the current central government. He argued that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led administration at the Centre could not be trusted to investigate its own supporters involved in the fund collection.
“Only a Supreme Court-monitored investigation can ensure that the truth comes out and the guilty are punished,” he added. The former CM also urged the court to examine the accounts of the Ram Mandir Trust and related entities.
Political Reactions
The demand has sparked a political row, with the ruling BJP dismissing the allegations as baseless. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused Vijayan of making “irresponsible statements” to divert attention from corruption cases in Kerala. “The Ram Mandir fund collection was transparent, and every rupee was accounted for. These are desperate attempts to malign a sacred cause,” Poonawalla said.
However, opposition parties in Kerala, including the Congress, have supported Vijayan’s call for a probe. Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said, “If there is any truth in these allegations, a thorough investigation must be conducted. The faith of crores of people cannot be compromised.”
Background of the Fund Collection
The Ram Mandir fund collection drive was launched in January 2024, ahead of the temple’s consecration ceremony. The Vishva Hindu Parishad and other organizations collected donations from households across India, reportedly amassing over ₹4,000 crore. The funds were meant for the construction and development of the temple complex in Ayodhya.
Allegations of misappropriation first surfaced in early 2025, when a whistleblower claimed that a portion of the funds was diverted to political campaigns. The issue gained traction after a report by a financial watchdog highlighted discrepancies in the trust’s accounts.
Legal Implications
Legal experts say that a Supreme Court-monitored probe would require a petition under Article 32 of the Constitution. Vijayan has indicated that his party, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), may approach the court if the government fails to act. The Supreme Court has previously intervened in sensitive cases involving public trust, such as the 2G spectrum scam and the coal block allocation scandal.
As the political battle intensifies, the focus remains on whether the judiciary will step in to investigate the allegations. For now, Vijayan’s demand has put the spotlight on the financial management of one of India’s most ambitious religious projects.
