VHP, Ayodhya seers welcome ex-IAF officer as Ram Temple CEO

Ayodhya, Sep 3 (IANS) The appointment of Air Marshal (Retd) Jeetendra Mishra as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was welcomed by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and seers in Ayodhya, even though the latter objected to the appointment of the three new Trust members.

The Ram Temple Trust on Wednesday also elevated Swami Govind Dev Giri as the General Secretary and appointed Mahesh Bhagchandka, Madan Mohan Pandey, and Nirmala Yadav as the new trustees, filling three vacant positions within the temple body.

Speaking to IANS, VHP International President Alok Kumar said: “We have seen the work and contribution of Air Marshal (Retd.) Jeetendra Mishra during Operation Sindoor. He has a long experience of administration and defence”, while hoping that the appointment of the CEO will keep the administration on its toes.

Referring to Swami Govind Dev Ji Maharaj, as a devoted follower of Lord Ram, Kumar expressed his happiness on the former’s elevation as General Secretary, saying: “His life has been dedicated to penance, service and awakening society.”

On Mahesh Bhagchandka’s appointment as the Trust’s treasurer, Alok Kumar said: “We know how he was on the frontline during the Ram Janmbhoomi movement…we believe that he will set up a transparent system at the Trust, as has been sought by all of us.”

Moreover, the VHP Chief added that Nirmala Yadav’s induction will reflect the representation of women in the Trust.

While welcoming the appointment of new CEO, saint Mahant Raju Das said that it would have been better if a seer had been chosen instead, “as a seer can offer a level of devotion to the deity that others cannot”.

“Nevertheless, we extend our best wishes and gratitude for appointing such CEO to the Ram Temple,” he told IANS.

Mahant Sitaram Das of Ayodhya’s Saket Bhawan temple also congratulated Air Marshal (Retd.) Jeetendra Mishra, saying: “Having served the nation, he will now serve Ram Lalla. I offer my best wishes for this role.”

However, regarding the appointment of the three trust members, he said: “Saints have objections because these individuals were not involved in the historical struggles of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.”

Mahant Deveshacharya Ji Maharaj of Siddh Peeth Hanumangarhi said even though the seers were initially reluctant to the appointment of the CEO, what brings them joy is “instead of appointing an IAS or IPS officer, they have appointed a former armed forces member”.

“We are happy about this because it guarantees that the temple will function with purity and sanctity, as he comes from the armed forces,” he told IANS.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak also hailed the appointment of the new CEO, offering his “heartiest congratulations”.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Congress Chief Ajay Rai remarked: “The CEO has been appointed to legalise the theft of temple offerings”, while asserting that a religious scholar should have been appointed to the post instead.

–IANS

cg/khz