Ayodhya Temple Funds Under Scrutiny: Congress Alleges 'Chanda Chori,' Demands SC Probe

The construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, a project of immense national significance, is now embroiled in a major controversy as the Congress party has launched a fierce attack on the BJP-RSS, alleging a multi-crore "scam" involving the embezzlement of donations. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has accused the ruling parties of "vote chori, seat chori, and chanda chori" (theft of votes, seats, and donations), demanding a Supreme Court-monitored probe into the alleged siphoning of "thousands of crores" from the Ram Temple funds.

The allegations come amidst an ongoing investigation that has already seen eight arrests and the recovery of cash. Police reports indicate a startling change in the lifestyles of some accused individuals, who, despite modest known incomes, have acquired new homes and luxury SUVs. This dramatic financial uplift has fueled suspicions that a significant amount of money, estimated to be between Rs 6 to Rs 8 lakh daily, was being siphoned off, particularly during the auspicious Maha Kumbh period. Concerns have also been raised regarding the handling of precious metal donations and a perceived lack of proper oversight.

The Uttar Pradesh Police are actively pursuing the money trail, with intentions to seek police custody of the two main accused men from the additional district judge (anti-corruption). An FIR has been registered, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe is underway, leading to arrests and even resignations as the irregularities come to light.

Adding gravity to the situation, a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the body overseeing the temple's construction, has publicly endorsed decisive action, going as far as to suggest "capital punishment" for those found guilty. While acknowledging the ongoing probe, the Trust also claims that temple worship continues smoothly and that donation handling processes have now been made fully transparent. However, the Congress party has criticized the silence of the Prime Minister and Home Minister on this sensitive issue, linking it to past allegations of questionable funding practices. The investigation continues to unfold, promising further revelations as authorities delve deeper into the financial irregularities surrounding the revered temple's donations.

#AyodhyaScam #RamMandirDonations #ChandaChori #IndiaPolitics