Rahul Gandhi, Kharge Urge PM Modi to Order Inquiry into Ayodhya Temple Donation Scam

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an independent and comprehensive investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust , which manages the Ayodhya Ram Temple . The opposition leaders said the alleged irregularities had shaken the faith of lakhs of devotees who contributed to the temple with devotion and trust.

In their joint letter, Gandhi and Kharge said devotees who donated their hard-earned money were feeling "betrayed by the theft" and urged the prime minister to act swiftly. They maintained that the issue went beyond financial misconduct and had become a matter of public trust and accountability.

The Congress leaders questioned the prime minister's silence on the matter, noting that the Trust was constituted following the Supreme Court's directions and that its formation was announced by Modi in Parliament. They further claimed that the Trust's members were appointed by the Union government and alleged that several of them were associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and affiliated organisations.

The controversy surfaced in early June after allegations of misappropriation of temple donations emerged. According to the investigation so far, eight people have been arrested , while two senior Trust functionaries have resigned . An FIR was registered on June 25 based on a complaint filed by the Trust, leading to the arrests.

In their letter, Gandhi and Kharge called for a detailed audit of the Trust's financial affairs, including the handling of cash, gold and silver offerings made by devotees. They also demanded that the findings of the inquiry and the Trust's financial accounts be made public to ensure complete transparency.

The Congress leaders further asserted that all those found responsible should be held accountable, irrespective of their position or influence . They said the credibility of both the government and the Trust would depend on how transparently and promptly the matter was investigated, adding that devotees deserved clarity on how their contributions had been managed.