The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will convene on July 7 to chart the way forward following the resignations of two key office-bearers amid allegations of financial mismanagement in temple donations, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) chief Alok Kumar announced on Saturday.
Resignations Amid Allegations
Trust general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra stepped down on June 25 after reports surfaced of irregularities in the collection and accounting of donations meant for the Ram Temple construction in Ayodhya. The resignations came as a surprise to many, given Rai's long association with the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
According to VHP chief Alok Kumar, the trust's governing body will deliberate on the vacancies and potential successors during the July 7 meeting. "The trust will decide on future action, including filling the positions left vacant by the resignations," Kumar told reporters in New Delhi.
Details of the Allegations
The allegations, first reported by a local news portal, claimed that a portion of the donations collected through temple-branded merchandise and online campaigns was not properly accounted for. Sources within the trust said an internal audit had flagged discrepancies amounting to several crore rupees over the past year. However, no formal complaint has been filed with law enforcement.
Champat Rai, in his resignation letter, denied any wrongdoing but said he was stepping down to "maintain the sanctity of the temple project." Anil Mishra, a prominent Ayodhya-based trustee, echoed similar sentiments, stating his resignation was voluntary and aimed at ensuring transparency.
Impact on Temple Construction
The Ram Temple, currently under construction on the site of the demolished Babri Masjid, is a flagship project of the Narendra Modi government and the VHP. The trust has so far collected over ₹3,600 crore in donations, with construction progressing on schedule for a January 2027 completion.
Political analysts say the resignations could provide ammunition to opposition parties, who have long questioned the transparency of the temple fund. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said, "This raises serious questions about the management of public donations. The trust must come clean."
Next Steps
The July 7 meeting, to be held in Ayodhya, will also review the construction timeline and address any governance reforms. VHP chief Alok Kumar emphasized that the trust remains committed to its mission. "The temple will be built as per the Supreme Court's verdict. These resignations will not derail the project," he said.
