Ram Temple donation row: Congress seeks probe monitored by sitting HC judge

New Delhi, June 16 (IANS) The Congress on Tuesday flagged the “bungling” in Ayodhya Ram Temple donations and large-scale financial irregularities in matters related to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust and demanded a time-bound probe under the supervision of a sitting High Court judge.

Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters here, Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee president Ajay Rai and the UP Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Aradhana Mishra claimed that funds donated by devotees and assets linked to the Ram temple project had been mismanaged, and called for a thorough audit of the trust’s functioning.

Rai said that an SIT constituted to examine the matter was inadequate and not time-bound, and questioned the appointment of controversial officials in the investigation team.

He demanded that the inquiry be completed within 7 to 10 days and monitored by a sitting High Court judge.

He alleged that irregularities had occurred at multiple stages, including donation collection, land transactions and management of offerings made by devotees, claiming that the issue involved a “systematic” and “organised” misuse of resources.

The Congress leader also sought accountability from the Union government and called for strict action against anyone found guilty following an independent investigation.

Mishra echoed the demand for a judicial probe and alleged that the BJP had “commercialised” the faith of devotees of Lord Ram.

She referred to past controversies relating to land acquisition and temple construction and alleged that questions raised earlier regarding land deals and infrastructure quality around the temple complex had not been adequately investigated.

Mishra also said that around 1,250 Ram Shilas (consecrated stones associated with the temple movement) were reportedly missing and alleged that there was no proper ledger or accounting system for assets and offerings received by the temple trust.

The Congress leaders demanded a fixed timeline for the investigation and action against all those found responsible, irrespective of their position.

On the issue of examination paper leaks, Mishra criticised the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh, pointing out repeated failures in conducting recruitment and entrance examinations.

She said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was engaging with students and youths affected by such issues and would continue raising their concerns.

–IANS

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