Mayawati Reacts to Alleged Ram Temple Fund Embezzlement
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati on Tuesday termed the reported theft of funds collected for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya as "extremely serious and worrying." She demanded a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure accountability.
Details of the Alleged Theft
The controversy erupted after reports emerged that a significant amount of money donated by devotees for the Ram temple construction had been misappropriated. The temple trust, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, has denied any wrongdoing, but Mayawati's remarks have added political heat to the issue.
According to sources, the alleged embezzlement involves funds collected through donation boxes and online contributions. The exact amount is yet to be confirmed, but initial estimates suggest it could be in the crores of rupees.
Mayawati's Statement
In a series of posts on social media platform X, Mayawati said, "The news of embezzlement of donations collected for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya is extremely serious and worrying. This is a matter of public faith, and strict action should be taken against the guilty." She also urged the government to ensure a transparent probe.
Mayawati's reaction comes amid ongoing political tensions, with opposition parties accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of mishandling the temple funds. The BSP chief has often criticized the BJP on issues of corruption and governance.
Impact and Reactions
The alleged theft has sparked a debate on the management of religious funds. Several other political leaders have also called for an inquiry. The temple trust has maintained that all donations are accounted for and that they are cooperating with authorities.
The Ram temple, a long-standing demand of the Hindu right, is being built on the site of the demolished Babri Masjid. The construction has been a flagship project of the Modi government, and any financial irregularity could prove politically embarrassing.
