CPM MP Demands RTI Cover for Ram Temple Trust Amid Donation Controversy

The controversy over donations to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has intensified, with Communist Party of India (Marxist) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas urging the central government to bring the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust under the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The trust, established by the central government in February 2020 to oversee the construction and management of the Ram Temple, has faced questions about transparency following allegations of donation misappropriation.

In a statement on social media, Brittas said, 'It is unfortunate that the trust managing the Ram Temple is not answerable to the public through RTI. The government must immediately bring it under the RTI Act to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of public donations.' He added that the trust has received crores of rupees in donations from citizens, and they have a right to know how the money is being utilised.

The call for RTI coverage comes amid a row over alleged theft of donations. Reports emerged that a significant amount of cash intended for the temple construction had gone missing, leading to concerns among devotees and opposition parties. The trust has denied any wrongdoing, stating that all accounts are properly maintained and audited.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), issued its first statement on the matter, calling it 'unfortunate' and expressing hurt. RSS leader Sunil Ambekar said, 'We are all hurt by these allegations. The trust must clarify the situation and restore public faith.' He did not, however, specify whether the RSS believes the allegations are true.

The trust, which enjoys immunity from RTI as a government-aided entity, has so far not commented on Brittas's demand. The government has also not responded to the plea. Legal experts note that bringing the trust under RTI would require an amendment to the trust's deed or a directive from the central government, as it is currently classified as a 'trust' not a 'public authority' under the RTI Act.

The Ram Temple construction, which began in August 2020, is a flagship project of the current government. The trust, headed by former bureaucrat Nripendra Misra, includes representatives from various religious and social organisations. Donations were collected from across India and abroad, with the total fund initially estimated at over Rs 3,000 crore.

Opposition parties have seized on the controversy to question the trust's governance. The Congress party demanded a Supreme Court-monitored probe, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) called for the trust's dissolution. The BJP, however, defended the trust, alleging that the opposition was trying to 'politicise' the issue.

As the debate unfolds, devotees and observers await a clear response from the trust and the government. The demand for transparency under RTI reflects a broader call for accountability in public institutions handling large sums of donated money.