Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Ram Mandir Teerth Kshetra Trust, alleging that financial irregularities in the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya began as early as 2021. Addressing a press conference in Dona Paula, Goa, Kejriwal claimed that land purchases by the Trust were grossly inflated and that a 40% commission was taken on every construction tender.
Allegations of Land Scam
Kejriwal cited specific instances of alleged inflated land transactions. He claimed that a piece of land worth Rs 2 crore was sold to the Temple Trust for Rs 18 crore within 10 minutes. Similarly, he alleged that land worth Rs 3 crore was purchased for Rs 24 crore, land worth Rs 9 crore was bought for Rs 55 crore, and land worth Rs 14 crore was acquired for Rs 95 crore. "The documents for these transactions are in the public domain," he asserted.
40% Commission on Tenders
Kejriwal also alleged irregularities in the award of construction contracts. "When the temple construction began, it is being reported that engineers stated that a 40 per cent commission was taken on every tender. This is the way they have deceived God," he alleged. The AAP leader claimed that valuables donated to the temple, including Lord Ram's necklace, paduka, and ornaments, have gone missing. He said that silver bricks, silver lamps, and cash donations have also allegedly been stolen.
Impact on Devotees
Kejriwal expressed that devotees from across the country, including Goa, had donated with deep faith and were now hurt by reports of alleged financial irregularities. "The people of Goa are deeply religious. When the Ram Mandir was built, the Hindus and Sanatanis of Goa contributed enthusiastically, offering donations with great devotion for its construction... Now, as reports of scams and the theft of offerings at the Ram Mandir are coming to light, every Sanatani in Goa is profoundly pained," he added.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy over donation embezzlement at the Ram Mandir erupted after an FIR was registered on June 25 under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 306, 316(5), 317(4), 317(5), 61 and 3(5), on the directions of the Uttar Pradesh Government. The accused named in the FIR include Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Tinnu Yadav, Manish Yadav, and others. The case was triggered by allegations from former Samajwadi Party MLA from Ayodhya, Pawan Pandey, who claimed that between Rs 7 crore and Rs 7.5 crore in donations were misappropriated.
Legal Proceedings and Resignations
On June 29, an Ayodhya court remanded all the accused to 14-day judicial custody following an intensive investigation. Earlier, former Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra resigned, taking moral responsibility for the controversy. Police have recorded Champat Rai's statement, and statements of other senior Trust office-bearers, including Anil Mishra, may be recorded if required during the investigation. The Trust has maintained that it is committed to ensuring a fair investigation and preserving the faith of devotees.
