CM Yogi Says SIT Probe To Examine Ram Temple Donation Row, Targets Congress And SP
CM backs SIT probe, criticises opposition over allegations.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into alleged irregularities related to donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya will bring out the complete truth. He made the remarks while addressing a public gathering in Rudauli, amid rising political controversy over claims of mismanagement of temple offerings.
The Chief Minister said the SIT was constituted at the request of the Ram Temple Trust and expressed confidence that the inquiry would uncover any wrongdoing without ambiguity. He also urged devotees not to be influenced by what he described as attempts to tarnish the image of the temple and Ayodhya. According to him, individuals with concerns or evidence related to the alleged irregularities should present them before the investigation team.
The controversy relates to allegations of embezzlement and mismanagement of offerings made at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, including claims that gold and jewellery donated by devotees were mishandled by certain staff members. Following these allegations, FIRs were registered against several suspects, and scrutiny of temple trust operations has intensified. Opposition parties have raised concerns over the handling of donations, prompting the government to order a formal investigation.
During his address, Adityanath strongly criticised the Congress and Samajwadi Party (SP), accusing them of hypocrisy and double standards on matters related to Lord Ram and the Ram Temple movement. He alleged that these parties had historically opposed the construction of the temple and questioned their past positions on the religious and historical significance of Lord Ram and the Ramayan.
The Chief Minister also referred to past political events, claiming that previous governments had taken actions against devotees during the Ram Temple movement. He accused opposition leaders of now attempting to portray themselves as protectors of devotees despite their earlier stance. His remarks were made in the context of escalating political exchanges over the temple-related allegations and the ongoing investigation.
Reiterating his government’s position, Adityanath said the SIT probe would ensure transparency and accountability in the handling of temple funds. He called on devotees to remain focused on faith and avoid being influenced by what he described as efforts to defame Ayodhya and the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, underscoring that the investigation would establish the facts clearly.
