Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday rejected the allegations made by Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav regarding irregularities in the collection of donations for the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Goyal's response came amid growing demands for a probe into the matter.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy erupted after Mahipal Singh, who claims to have served as the accounts in-charge at the Ram Mandir construction site, alleged that irregularities had been taking place in donation collections for a long time. Singh's statements sparked a political firestorm, with opposition parties demanding a thorough investigation.
Akhilesh Yadav's Allegations
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav had earlier accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of mishandling the funds collected for the temple's construction. He called for a judicial probe into the matter, stating that the faith of millions of devotees had been betrayed.
Piyush Goyal's Response
Addressing the media, Piyush Goyal dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated. He asserted that all donations were being managed transparently and that the Ram Mandir trust was functioning with the highest standards of accountability. Goyal also accused Akhilesh Yadav of trying to create unnecessary controversy ahead of the upcoming elections.
The Union Minister further stated that the government had full faith in the trust's management and that no irregularities had been found in any audit conducted so far. He urged the opposition to refrain from making unsubstantiated claims that could hurt the sentiments of devotees.
Demand for Probe
Despite Goyal's rebuttal, the opposition continues to demand a comprehensive investigation into the donation collection process. Several political leaders have called for the involvement of central agencies to ensure transparency. The issue is likely to remain a flashpoint in the political discourse in the coming days.
The Ram Mandir, being constructed in Ayodhya, is a landmark project for the Hindu community, and any allegations of financial mismanagement are taken seriously by the public. The trust has maintained that all donations are accounted for and used solely for the construction and related activities.
