Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge have written a joint letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding an independent investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. The Congress leaders have also urged the government to ensure transparency and accountability in the functioning of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
The demand comes amid an ongoing police investigation into allegations that donations offered by devotees at the Ram Temple were misappropriated. The issue has drawn national attention after several arrests were made and two senior officials associated with the Trust resigned following the emergence of the allegations.
In their letter, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge said that millions of devotees had contributed to the temple with faith and devotion and deserved complete transparency regarding the handling of the donations. They argued that public confidence in the Trust had been shaken and called for an impartial investigation to establish the facts.
Sharing the letter on social media platform X, Kharge said that devotees who donated their hard-earned money to the temple were feeling betrayed by the reported theft. He stated that the matter required a comprehensive and independent inquiry so that the truth could be established and accountability ensured.
According to the Congress leaders, the issue cannot be treated as an internal matter of the Trust alone. In the letter, they argued that the Union government has a responsibility because the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was constituted following an announcement made by Prime Minister Modi in Parliament after the Supreme Court’s verdict on the Ayodhya dispute.
The Congress also claimed that the members of the Trust were appointed by the Central government and noted that some members have been associated with organisations such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), and other affiliated groups. On this basis, the party argued that the Centre should not distance itself from the controversy and should ensure a transparent investigation.
The alleged theft of donations first came to light in early June. Acting on a complaint filed by the Trust itself, police registered a First Information Report (FIR) on June 25. Since then, eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. The investigation is continuing, and authorities have not yet announced their final findings.
Rahul Gandhi and Kharge also called for the Trust’s financial records to be made public. They said that devotees have a right to know how their contributions have been collected, managed, and utilised. According to the Congress leaders, greater transparency would help restore public confidence and reinforce accountability.
In their letter, they stressed that anyone found responsible for financial irregularities should face appropriate legal action, regardless of their position or influence. They further stated that both the credibility of the government and the Trust would depend on how swiftly and transparently the matter is handled.
The letter also criticised the Prime Minister’s silence on the issue, describing it as unacceptable given the seriousness of the allegations. The Congress leaders urged him to intervene and ensure that an independent agency conducts a thorough investigation into the case.
As the police probe continues, no court has established guilt against those accused, and the allegations remain under investigation. The outcome of the inquiry is expected to determine whether any financial misconduct took place and whether further legal action will be required.
The controversy has sparked a broader political debate over transparency, accountability, and the management of donations made to religious institutions. With investigations still underway, attention now remains on the response of the government, the Trust, and investigating agencies as devotees and the public await further developments.