Ayodhya MP Calls for Court-Monitored Probe into Ram Temple Donations

Lucknow: Awadhesh Prasad, the Samajwadi Party Member of Parliament for Faizabad, is urging a high court-supervised investigation into claims of donation misappropriation at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. In a recent interview with ThePrint, Prasad stated that an independent inquiry is essential to maintain transparency, expressing concerns that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) could be subject to governmental influence.

"Many are talking about involving the Enforcement Directorate, but I believe the court should intervene in such a significant matter. An SIT probe might be influenced by the government," he said.

Prasad highlighted that Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the Samajwadi Party, plans to visit the temple in Ayodhya before the 2027 Uttar Pradesh state assembly elections. This visit is intended to counter what he described as the Bharatiya Janata Party's negative narrative surrounding the issue. "Akhilesh ji will visit Ram Lalla’s temple along with his family once his Etawah temple is completed. He is constructing a large temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Etawah. Before the 2027 elections, he is likely to visit the Ram Temple," Prasad shared.

While discussing the alleged financial improprieties, Prasad refrained from naming specific individuals involved in the controversy but asserted that the entire country is aware of the responsible parties. "There is no need for me to name anyone. The facts have already surfaced. They want to protect those accountable. In that context, the Bharatiya Janata Party itself is in a problematic position," he stated.

He further expressed a lack of access to donation records, emphasising that only those managing the trust are privy to the exact figures. Prasad believes a thorough and transparent investigation will uncover the truth.

The controversy surrounding the Ram Temple’s donations emerged last month, sparking widespread public outrage that led the Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, to form an SIT on 13 June to investigate the claims. Current investigations suggest that theft may have occurred within the temple trust’s donation management system.

Reports indicate that the SIT has already recovered nearly Rs 2 crore in cash, with UP Police arresting eight individuals, including Ramashankar Yadav, a close aide to the trust's General Secretary, Champat Rai. The other arrests involve members of the cash collection and counting teams at the temple.

Prasad characterised the situation as more than a mere theft of donations, likening it to a robbery. "Donations started coming in even before the temple's construction. Devotees across the nation, driven by their faith in Lord Ram, contributed generously. These donations included silver bricks, gold, and cash, accumulating to vast sums of money," he explained. "After the temple's consecration, millions began visiting daily, with some days seeing turnouts of up to 10 lakh devotees, all making significant offerings. These contributions likely total crores of rupees."

Since the initial social media post by Akhilesh Yadav on 7 June, many leaders within the Samajwadi Party have been vocal about the issue. Prasad credited Yadav for bringing attention to the alleged scam, asserting that instead of addressing accountability, the government is attempting to shield those responsible for managing charitable contributions.

When asked about the sources of information provided to Yadav prior to his social media post, Prasad mentioned local individuals were pivotal in informing him. "As a local MP, I naturally receive inputs from constituents. Such matters cannot be hidden. A robbery in the court of Lord Ram cannot go concealed," he remarked.

There are discussions surrounding potential structural changes within the Ram Temple Trust, including the possible appointment of a professional Chief Executive Officer. Prasad underscored the necessity for a transparent management system. He referred to the Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu and Kashmir, advocating for the Ram Temple to emulate its transparency. "The management must be fully transparent. Other significant temples, such as the Vaishno Devi shrine, offer open donation processes. The Ram Temple should also have a clear and open system," he insisted.

Prasad further articulated that justice is essential for the Ram devotees who feel injured by the controversy. He stated, "They have a right to know what has happened to their donations and where the money has channelled. The truth must be unveiled, and accountability established."

He predicted that the ongoing row will adversely impact the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in the 2027 state assembly elections, potentially benefiting the Samajwadi Party. "Under Akhilesh Yadav's leadership, we expect to secure a decisive majority, winning around 325 to 326 seats. The public has lost faith in the BJP government," he stated. "Farmers are discontented with basic supplies, youth dissatisfaction is rising, and various societal groups feel let down. With the Ram Temple issue weighing heavily, there’s a general desire for change in governance. The citizens are anticipating the elections."

Prasad concluded by stating that the Samajwadi Party is prepared for any eventuality, continuing to assess the political landscape as election announcements draw nearer. He remarked, "Everyone in Ayodhya is aware of how the BJP administration has treated locals. The anger against this government was palpable in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Following the donation scandal, public dissatisfaction has only intensified. The BJP will inevitably face the consequences of this growing discontent in the forthcoming elections."