Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha leader Derek O'Brien on Friday criticised the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) decision to freeze three bank accounts of the party, questioning why similar action had not been taken over allegations of financial irregularities involving donations to the Ram temple in Ayodhya. His remarks came amid the Opposition's demand for a judicial or court-monitored investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations received by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the affairs of the Ram temple.

The allegations have also become the subject of petitions pending before the Supreme Court. Reacting to the freezing of the TMC's accounts, O'Brien took to social media to question the central agency's actions. Referring to the Ram temple donation controversy, he asked when the ED would "freeze temple funds", drawing a comparison between the agency's action against his party and the allegations surrounding the Trust's finances. The TMC leader's comments come at a time when the Supreme Court is set to hear a batch of petitions seeking a court-monitored probe into the alleged financial irregularities involving the Trust.

The petitions seek a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry, forensic audit and Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit of the Trust's finances, while also questioning the Uttar Pradesh government's ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has not accepted the allegations of financial misconduct. Separately, sources associated with the Trust have indicated that it is considering amendments to its bylaws to allow the appointment of a chief executive officer (CEO) and strengthen administrative and financial oversight as part of broader governance reforms.

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The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly linked its action against the TMC's bank accounts with the Ram temple matter. The freezing of the party's accounts pertains to separate proceedings being handled by the central agency. The Opposition has continued to press for greater transparency in the management of donations received by the Ram temple Trust, arguing that the large volume of public contributions warrants an independent investigation.

The issue has triggered a political exchange between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and opposition parties over accountability and the role of investigative agencies. The Supreme Court's upcoming hearing on the petitions is expected to determine whether an independent investigation into the alleged financial irregularities is warranted. The outcome could shape the legal course of the controversy, while the political debate over the issue is likely to continue in the coming days.

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