Rudrapur, Uttarakhand: Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge has demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi respond in Parliament to allegations of alleged misappropriation of donations and disappearance of valuables associated with the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Speaking at an event in Rudrapur on Sunday, Kharge said the issue was not merely about alleged financial irregularities but was also connected to the sentiments and faith of millions of devotees who have deep reverence for Lord Ram and the Ram Temple.
Kharge said the Opposition was raising the issue on behalf of people who have faith in Lord Ram and the temple. He claimed that the Congress was among the first to raise questions regarding the alleged disappearance of assets kept inside the temple premises. He also questioned the functioning of the temple administration and the role of the trust associated with it.
Kharge Refers to PM Modi’s Role
Kharge referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s involvement in several major events associated with the Ram Temple. He pointed out that the Prime Minister participated in the temple’s inauguration as well as other important ceremonies, including the commencement of worship and the flag-hoisting ceremony.
Kharge also questioned the selection of members of the temple trust. He argued that given the Prime Minister’s involvement in important temple-related events and the allegations now surrounding donations and assets, Modi should appear in Parliament and respond to the issue.
The Congress president referred to questions surrounding jewellery, gold, silver, cash and other valuables allegedly kept at the temple. He also mentioned claims concerning alleged gold bricks and a gold Ramcharitmanas.
However, the veracity and full extent of these allegations and the alleged financial irregularities remain subject to investigation. The final position will become clear only after the investigation is completed.
SIT Investigating Alleged Misappropriation
An investigation into the alleged misappropriation of Ram Temple donations and matters related to its assets is underway. According to the details provided, the Uttar Pradesh government informed the Supreme Court on July 27 that a new Special Investigation Team (SIT) had been constituted to investigate the matter under the leadership of Inspector General of Police Kiran S.
The investigation team is examining the money trail to trace the alleged financial transactions. It is also attempting to identify additional assets and alleged beneficiaries connected with the case.
So far, eight arrests have reportedly been made in connection with the matter.
The investigation is aimed at determining the nature of the alleged donation misappropriation, transactions involving assets and the roles of individuals allegedly connected to the case. The actual extent of any irregularities will become clear once the investigation is completed.
SP MPs Also Raise the Issue in Parliament
The alleged misappropriation of Ram Temple donations has also been raised by Samajwadi Party MPs on the Parliament premises.
Earlier, several SP MPs staged a demonstration while carrying placards bearing slogans such as “Chanda Chor, Gaddi Chhod”, demanding accountability over the issue.
Opposition parties have been calling for greater transparency and accountability, while investigating agencies continue to examine the financial transactions and alleged beneficiaries connected with the case.
Kharge Also Opposes Proposed FCRA Amendment Bill
During his Uttarakhand visit, Kharge also reiterated the Congress party’s opposition to the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill (FCRA Amendment Bill).
Kharge said the Opposition’s further strategy in Parliament would be decided after a meeting of floor leaders of opposition parties. The proposed legislation concerns changes to provisions governing the regulation of foreign contributions and has drawn objections from several opposition parties.
The alleged misappropriation of donations and valuables associated with the Ram Temple has now become part of a wider political debate. While the Congress is demanding a response from the Prime Minister in Parliament, the investigation into the allegations is still underway.
The findings of the investigation will be crucial in determining the veracity of the allegations, the extent of any financial irregularities and whether anyone should be held responsible.
