RSS Responds To Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Row

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya for the first time, calling for a thorough investigation and strict punishment for those found guilty. The Uttar Pradesh government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) after the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust sought a formal probe into the alleged pilfering of cash from temple donation boxes. The issue has drawn widespread attention because of the temple's religious significance and its association with millions of devotees across the country.

RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said the alleged theft had deeply hurt the sentiments of devotees and described the incident as highly condemnable. He stated that the temple trust should treat the matter with utmost seriousness and take effective corrective measures to strengthen temple administration and operations. Hosabale also stressed that those found guilty after the SIT investigation should face severe punishment, while urging devotees to remain patient and not allow anti-Hindu or anti-national elements to exploit the controversy to create divisions.

The controversy has also sparked political reactions within the broader Sangh Parivar. Former BJP MP and Bajrang Dal founder Vinay Katiyar claimed he had spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the issue and expressed confidence that appropriate action would be taken. Katiyar alleged that former trust members Champat Rai, Gopal Rao and Anil Mishra could face legal consequences if evidence establishes wrongdoing. He further described the alleged embezzlement as a serious breach of public faith, comparing it to "a robbery in God's house," and called for the trust to be reconstituted.

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Police have arrested eight individuals in connection with the alleged donation theft, while Champat Rai and Anil Mishra have resigned from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The RSS has endorsed the SIT investigation initiated by the Uttar Pradesh government, stating that the inquiry must proceed fairly and transparently to restore public confidence. The organisation also indicated that the matter is expected to be discussed during its upcoming Prant Pracharak Baithak in Karnataka scheduled from July 10.

The alleged theft has emerged as a politically sensitive issue, particularly with the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections expected early next year. The Ram Janmabhoomi movement, which culminated in the construction of the Ram Temple, was spearheaded by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, an affiliate of the RSS. Given the temple's symbolic and religious importance, the controversy has placed both the Sangh and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party under increased public and political scrutiny, making the outcome of the investigation closely watched.

Meanwhile, the Congress criticised the RSS's response, accusing it of attempting to shield those responsible instead of addressing the seriousness of the allegations. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh termed the RSS's position "disgraceful and shameful," while party leader Pawan Khera alleged that the organisation was prioritising damage control over accountability. As the SIT continues its investigation, authorities are expected to determine responsibility and recommend further legal action based on the evidence collected.

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