The Congress party on Saturday asserted that the findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya represent only the tip of the iceberg. The party also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the issue and demanded a Supreme Court-monitored judicial inquiry.
Congress Demands Supreme Court-Monitored Probe
Addressing a press conference at the Delhi Congress office, Rajya Sabha MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi called for an independent and credible investigation to restore public confidence. He demanded immediate action against those responsible and questioned the restructuring of the temple trust with eminent and independent members. Singhvi also sought a forensic audit of the trust’s accounts from its inception.
“If the intention is to restore public trust, there should be a judicial inquiry led by a very senior person from the Supreme Court whose name itself inspires confidence. There should also be a forensic audit of the Trust’s accounts from the time it was established till today,” Singhvi said.
Allegations of Lower-Level Scapegoating
Singhvi alleged that the arrests made so far have been limited to lower-level functionaries and questioned why no senior officials have been held accountable. “The real question is not who committed the theft, but who allowed it to happen under their noses. There are MoUs and SOPs between the State Bank of India and the Trust. Yet, no responsibility has been fixed beyond the lowest level,” he stated.
Specific Expenditure Figures Highlighted
Referring to the SIT’s preliminary audit findings, Singhvi alleged that a large amount had been spent on functions organized by the trust, including around Rs 113 crore on the Pran Pratishtha ceremony on January 22, 2024, and over Rs 10 crore on a flag-hoisting event held later that year. He claimed these figures were only the tip of the iceberg, suggesting deeper financial irregularities.
Delhi Congress President Questions Modi's Silence
Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav questioned Prime Minister Modi’s silence on the matter, stating that it is unacceptable if an incident affecting a place of deep religious faith does not elicit a response from the country’s leadership. “This is not merely a case of financial irregularity or embezzlement of crores. It is an attack on the faith of Hindus. The entire matter should be investigated under the supervision of a Supreme Court judge,” Yadav said.
