The Congress party on Monday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Congress leader Pawan Khera questioned how Modi could "stand before Lord Ram" after reports indicated that warnings about suspected theft in the donation-counting process had been ignored for months.
Congress demands accountability
Khera stated that the controversy raised serious questions about accountability within the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, whose members were chosen by the Prime Minister. "One wonders: how will Modi stand before Lord Ram now?" Khera said.
He elaborated: "First, donations made in the name of Lord Ram were stolen. Then, the employees who raised the alarm were silenced and thrown out of their jobs. Now it has emerged that the State Bank of India had, three months ago, recommended the removal of the donation-counting staff because of suspicions of theft. Even that warning was ignored."
Khera asked: "How many warnings were buried? How many red flags were deliberately overlooked? More importantly, who has turned a blind eye to these warnings? Were these not your hand-picked and trusted trustees, Modi ji?"
SBI warning ignored
The remarks came after reports suggested that the State Bank of India had recommended the removal of donation-counting staff nearly three months ago after suspecting irregularities in handling cash donations. According to reports, the recommendation was not implemented after objections were raised by some officials associated with the temple trust.
Khera noted that the Ram Mandir Trust was constituted under the Prime Minister’s watch. "The treasurer is your man. The general secretary is your man. The chairman is your man. But the moment reports of theft surfaced, you left for Seychelles like it is none of your business," he said.
He demanded: "At the very least, honour the dignity of Lord Ram and the faith of millions who donated in His name. Provide answers — to the nation and to Lord Ram."
Arrests and investigation
Eight members of the donation-counting staff have been arrested so far, and efforts are underway to recover money and assets allegedly siphoned off from temple donation boxes. The Ayodhya Police have recorded the statement of Champat Rai in connection with the investigation. Notices are likely to be issued to former trustee Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao as the probe widens.
While Rai and Mishra have stepped down from their positions in the trust, sources indicated that Rao may also distance himself from trust activities in the coming days.
Investigators are also examining the role of two State Bank of India employees, Ratnesh and Gagandeep, who were present in the counting rooms as part of the bank’s oversight mechanism. Reports said the police had gathered evidence indicating their involvement in the alleged theft, and further action against them could follow as the investigation progresses.
