New Delhi: Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling for an independent probe into alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple, saying lakhs of devotees who donated their hard-earned money with faith now feel “betrayed by the theft”.
The two opposition leaders, who lead their parties in both Houses of Parliament, said the prime minister’s silence on the issue was unacceptable and urged him to ensure accountability and restitution, PTI reported.
“Our joint letter to PM Modi demanding an independent and comprehensive investigation into the financial affairs of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Lakhs of devotees who donated their hard-earned money with faith, devotion and trust are feeling betrayed by the theft,” Kharge said in a post on X on Sunday, sharing the letter dated July 18.
The alleged misappropriation of donations emerged in early June and has so far resulted in eight arrests and the resignation of two senior Trust officials. On June 25, police registered an FIR following a complaint by the Trust and arrested eight men in connection with the case.
Gandhi and Kharge told the prime minister in their letter that while he had announced the Trust’s formation in Parliament on the Supreme Court’s directions, its members were appointed exclusively by his government. They noted it is public knowledge that the Trust’s members are affiliated with the RSS, VHP and its affiliates, and said the Trust’s former general secretary was also a close associate of the prime minister.
“Your silence now in the face of such a crime is unacceptable. It is your duty to ensure accountability and restitution. We urge you to immediately order an independent and comprehensive investigation into the financial affairs of the Trust, including the handling of all offerings, including cash, gold, silver,” they wrote, demanding the Trust’s accounts and the probe’s findings be made public so every devotee knows how their offerings have been utilised.
“All those found responsible must be held accountable, irrespective of position or influence. The credibility of your government and the Trust rests on how transparently and swiftly you act. The people of India are watching. Jai Hind!” the Congress leaders added.
Sharing the letter on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh also appealed to the prime minister to speak up. “It is only appropriate that the two LOPs have written to the PM on the Chanda Chori Astha Dhoka involving the Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya.
“In one of his rare token appearances in the Lok Sabha on Feb 5, 2020, the PM had taken full credit while announcing the establishment of this Trust which has betrayed the faith and devotion of crores of devotees across the country. Pradhan Mantri Chuppi Todo!” Ramesh said, sharing the letter and a video of the prime minister’s Lok Sabha remarks announcing the Trust.
