The Congress party has demanded a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into alleged fund theft at the Ayodhya Ram temple, calling for the immediate dissolution of the temple trust. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh alleged that the trust's financial irregularities have been 'completely exposed,' accusing the BJP of enabling the RSS to loot temple funds.
Congress Alleges Financial Irregularities
Speaking to reporters, Ramesh claimed that the BJP uses draconian FCRA rules to control registered NGOs while allowing unregistered entities like the RSS to operate without oversight. He said, 'The BJP on one hand wants to control registered NGOs through draconian FCRA rules, while completely unregistered entities like the RSS are free to loot and plunder the temples.'
Demand for Supreme Court Probe
The Congress has formally requested the Supreme Court to monitor the investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds collected for the Ram temple construction. The party also demanded the dissolution of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which oversees the temple's development. According to sources, the trust has collected over ₹3,600 crore in donations since its inception.
Political Reactions
The BJP dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said, 'The Congress is trying to malign the sacred Ram temple project. The trust has maintained complete transparency in its financial dealings.' However, the Congress has cited anonymous whistleblower reports and discrepancies in the trust's public disclosures.
Background of the Trust
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was established in 2020 after the Supreme Court's verdict awarding the disputed land for temple construction. The trust includes members from various religious and political backgrounds. The Congress has questioned the lack of independent audits and the concentration of decision-making power within a few individuals.
Impact on Temple Construction
The controversy has raised concerns about delays in the temple's completion, which is scheduled for 2027. Construction work has been ongoing, but the trust has not officially commented on the allegations. The Congress's demand for a Supreme Court-monitored probe could lead to legal scrutiny of the trust's finances.
