Congress Leaders Demand Independent Probe into Ayodhya Temple Trust Finances

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi have jointly written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging an independent and comprehensive investigation into the financial affairs of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The letter, dated July 18, 2026, was made public on the eve of the Monsoon session of Parliament.

The Congress leaders cited the alleged theft of donations offered at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, which came to light in early June. So far, eight people have been arrested, and two senior functionaries of the Trust have resigned. Police registered a First Information Report on June 25 based on a complaint by the Trust itself.

In their letter, Kharge and Gandhi noted that Prime Minister Modi announced the formation of the Trust in Parliament following the Supreme Court's direction, but its members were appointed solely by the government. They pointed out that the Trust's members are affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), and their affiliates, and that a former general secretary of the Trust, who faced disgrace, was a close associate of the Prime Minister.

The letter stated, “Your silence now in the face of such a crime is unacceptable. It is your duty to ensure accountability and restitution.” The leaders demanded that the Prime Minister order an investigation into the handling of all offerings, including cash, gold, and silver, and that the Trust's accounts be made public so that devotees can know how their contributions were utilized.

The development comes amid heightened political activity as Parliament's Monsoon session begins. The Congress has been critical of the government's handling of the issue, while the Bharatiya Janata Party has not yet responded to the allegations.