Akhilesh Yadav Questions SIT Probe into Ram Temple Donation Case, Alleges BJP Power Struggle

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday raised questions over the credibility of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, suggesting that a power struggle between the BJP's central and Uttar Pradesh leadership influenced the handling of the case.

Speaking to reporters, Yadav alleged that those accused of misusing temple offerings were avoiding public scrutiny due to fear of public outrage. He claimed that the individuals involved were 'terrified of public backlash' and were therefore staying indoors.

'There is a power struggle,' Yadav said. 'Before the Delhi faction could even formulate a plan, the Lucknow faction took everything into their own hands.' He questioned why an SIT was constituted instead of an investigation by central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), or Income Tax department. 'What is the SIT?... In the SIT investigation, who is in control?' he asked.

The allegations of irregularities in the management of donations collected at the Ram Temple first surfaced earlier this month when Akhilesh Yadav raised the issue. In response, the Uttar Pradesh government formed an SIT, which led to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) and the arrest of eight individuals.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the temple, also held a meeting amid the controversy. The trust has not issued a detailed statement on the matter so far.

Akhilesh Yadav's remarks come amid ongoing political tensions between the Samajwadi Party and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh. The state government has defended the SIT probe, stating that it is conducting a thorough investigation.