Champat Rai Resigns from Ram Temple Trust
Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, stated on Monday that the Trust had no option but to accept the resignation of general secretary Champat Rai, who stepped down on moral grounds. The resignation comes amid ongoing developments related to the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Resignation Accepted on Moral Grounds
According to sources within the Trust, Champat Rai submitted his resignation citing moral responsibility for certain administrative decisions. Mahant Nritya Gopal Das confirmed that the Trust respected Rai's decision and accepted it unanimously. “We had no option but to accept his resignation. He resigned on moral grounds,” Das told reporters.
New General Secretary Likely from Rajasthan
Sources indicated that Bajarang Lal Bagra, a resident of Rajasthan and a key member of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), is the frontrunner to succeed Champat Rai as general secretary. Bagra has been actively involved in the Ram Temple movement and has worked closely with the VHP for decades. The Trust is expected to formalize the appointment in its next meeting.
Background of the Trust
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was formed in February 2020 to oversee the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Champat Rai had been serving as its general secretary since its inception, playing a crucial role in the temple's planning and execution. His resignation marks a significant change in the Trust's leadership.
Reactions and Speculations
While the Trust has not disclosed specific reasons behind Rai's resignation, insiders suggest it may be linked to recent controversies surrounding land acquisition and fund management. However, no official statement has been released detailing these issues. The VHP has expressed support for the Trust's decision and praised Rai's contributions.
Next Steps for the Trust
The Trust is expected to hold a meeting soon to officially appoint Bajarang Lal Bagra as the new general secretary. The construction of the Ram Temple continues on schedule, with the Trust focusing on completing the project by the end of 2026. The change in leadership is not anticipated to affect the timeline or progress of the temple construction.
