Bengaluru, June 27: The political discourse surrounding the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has intensified. Union Minister of State for Water Power and Railways, V. Somanna, stated that those who commit fraud in the name of Lord Ram will face divine punishment. Meanwhile, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has demanded answers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath regarding the matter.
Speaking to reporters in Davanagere, Minister Somanna remarked, “Anyone who has done wrong has done wrong. The Uttar Pradesh government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter. Committing such acts in the name of God is sinful. Lord Ram will punish those who deceive in His name.”
On the other hand, Minister Priyank Kharge emphasized the need for complete transparency in the use of donations collected for the construction of the Ram Temple. He stated that a thorough investigation should be conducted to bring the truth to light.
Kharge asserted, “The public has every right to know how the donations collected for the Ram Temple have been utilized. There must be full transparency in the use of public contributions.” He added that it is the central government’s responsibility to respond to these allegations in a transparent and accountable manner.
Kharge also called on Prime Minister Modi and the Uttar Pradesh government to clarify the situation and ensure a fair investigation, stating that this would help maintain public trust. He claimed, “The central government must ensure accountability and transparency in the use of public donations to sustain the people’s confidence.”
He further alleged, “I have previously stated that the BJP is committing fraud. There has been a loot of 500 crores over five years. I have said before that the BJP is deceiving people in the name of Lord Ram. There are also significant figures involved in this matter.”
It is noteworthy that the Ram Temple donation embezzlement case is linked to the alleged misuse of cash donations and valuable items given by devotees. Following reports of irregularities in the management of donations received by the temple, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust demanded an investigation, leading to the formation of the SIT by the Uttar Pradesh government.
Based on the SIT’s preliminary investigation, FIRs have been filed against eight individuals, including employees related to the calculation and management of donations, for criminal breach of trust and embezzlement of temple donations.
In light of the controversy, the Trust’s General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Anil Mishra have announced their resignations, taking moral responsibility, although the investigation is still ongoing.
Opposition parties are calling for greater transparency in the use of public donations, with some demanding an investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government maintains that the investigation is being conducted under legal procedures.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.