Kharge demands PM's reply in Parliament on Ram Mandir donation theft case
Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Wednesday demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi come to Parliament and respond to the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Mandir temple complex in Ayodhya.
Addressing reporters outside Parliament, Kharge said the matter involved public trust and the sanctity of a temple that lakhs of devotees have contributed to. "The Prime Minister must come to the House and reply on the Ram Mandir donation theft case. The nation deserves to know what exactly happened," he said.
The Congress leader's remarks come amid reports that an individual allegedly stole donations from the temple premises. Local police have registered a case and an investigation is underway. However, no official confirmation has been provided by the temple trust or the authorities regarding the quantum of the amount or the details of the accused.
Kharge also questioned the temple trust's handling of the matter, saying that such incidents could undermine the faith of crores of devotees. "If the trust is unable to safeguard the offerings made with devotion, it is a serious failure of governance," he added.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has not yet issued an official response to the statement. Sources within the party, however, dismissed the demand as a diversionary tactic, pointing out that the matter is under investigation and should not be politicised.
The Ram Mandir, inaugurated in January 2024, has been a major political and cultural landmark, with the trust managing large-scale donations from across the country. The alleged theft has raised concerns about the transparency and security of the collection process.
Political analysts note that the issue could become a flashpoint in the ongoing parliamentary session, with opposition parties likely to raise it as a matter of public importance. Congress has been pressing the government on a range of issues, and this new allegation adds to the political heat.
The temple trust has yet to issue a detailed statement. Police investigations are expected to reveal more information in the coming days. Meanwhile, opposition leaders have demanded a thorough inquiry and proper action against those found guilty.
This is a developing story. This report will be updated as more information becomes available.
