Congress Demands PM Modi's Statement in Parliament Over Ram Temple Trust Donation Allegations

The Congress party has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the Lok Sabha regarding allegations of financial mismanagement at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which oversees the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh stated that since the Prime Minister personally announced the trust's formation in Parliament on February 5, 2020, he should now inform the House about the alleged embezzlement of donations.

Ramesh alleged that the trust, whose members were appointed by Modi, had betrayed the faith of millions of Indians, accusing it of 'chanda chori, aastha dhoka' (donation theft and betrayal of faith). He insisted that the Prime Minister must break his silence on the floor of the House, as the trust was created through a parliamentary announcement.

The allegations came to light last month, prompting the Uttar Pradesh government to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The SIT has so far arrested eight individuals, accepted the resignation of two trust functionaries, and recovered cash believed to have been siphoned from temple donations. A preliminary nine-page report was submitted to the government on June 23.

Former trust general secretary Champat Rai, who resigned amid the controversy, stated in a letter that he would speak only after the SIT submits its final report. He also questioned how the confidential preliminary SIT report was leaked to the public.

The investigation is now under Supreme Court scrutiny. On July 13, a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant directed the SIT to submit a status report and issued notice to the trust on petitions seeking a fair and time-bound probe. The SIT comprises Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S, and Special Secretary (Finance) Neel Ratan. Sources indicate that the SIT may submit an interim report to the Supreme Court on July 20.