Priyanka Gandhi Terms Ram Temple Donation Fraud 'Gravest Sin', Questions Role of Major Donors
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday condemned the alleged fraud in donations collected for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, calling it the 'gravest sin'. She expressed shock over the revelations and questioned the involvement of major corporate donors in the scheme.
Speaking to reporters, Gandhi said, 'The entire nation is stunned by the scale of this fraud. It is the gravest sin to cheat devotees who contributed their hard-earned money for a sacred cause.' She added that the incident raises serious questions about the transparency and accountability of the organisations handling the funds.
The alleged fraud came to light after a probe by the Uttar Pradesh Police's Economic Offences Wing. Investigations suggest that several prominent business houses and individuals may have been involved in siphoning off funds meant for the temple construction. The total amount defrauded is estimated to be in crores of rupees, though official figures are yet to be confirmed.
Gandhi demanded a thorough investigation, stating, 'The role of big players needs to be scrutinised. The common person's faith has been betrayed, and those responsible must be brought to book.' She also urged the central government to ensure that all donations are properly accounted for and that strict action is taken against the guilty.
The Ram Temple Trust, which oversees the construction, has denied any wrongdoing and vowed to cooperate with the authorities. In a statement, the trust said, 'We are committed to transparency. Any irregularities will be dealt with strictly as per law.'
Political reactions have been mixed. While the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the Congress of politicising the issue, other opposition parties have echoed Gandhi's concerns. The Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party also called for an independent inquiry.
The case has sparked a broader debate on the regulation of religious donations in India. Legal experts point out that while religious institutions are not fully covered under the current anti-corruption laws, there is a growing demand for stricter oversight.
As the investigation continues, devotees who donated to the temple fund wait for answers. Many have expressed anger and disappointment. 'I gave my life savings thinking it would go to God's house. Now I feel cheated,' said a retiree from Varanasi who wished to remain anonymous.
