Opposition Plans to Raise Ram Temple Donation Scam in Parliament, Seeks Discussion and Accountability
The Opposition is preparing to intensify its attack on the government in Parliament by making the alleged Ram Temple donation embezzlement case a key issue during the ongoing Monsoon Session. After weeks of focusing on the NEET paper leak controversy, leaders of the INDIA bloc have decided to press for a discussion on the alleged misappropriation of devotees’ offerings at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, describing it as a matter of public faith and accountability.
According to Opposition leaders, the issue is expected to be raised in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The Samajwadi Party (SP) has taken the lead in pushing the matter, arguing that the alleged diversion of temple donations has deeply hurt the sentiments of millions of devotees. SP MPs staged a protest in the Parliament House complex carrying symbolic donation boxes and raising slogans demanding action against those responsible.
SP president Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the controversy reflected a broader failure of governance. Drawing a comparison with recent examination paper leak incidents, he argued that a government unable to safeguard devotees’ donations could also fail to protect the future of students. Opposition parties have indicated they will demand answers from both the Uttar Pradesh government and the Centre regarding the progress of the investigation and the accountability of those involved.
The political confrontation comes as the investigation into the alleged donation embezzlement continues to expand. Following directions from the Supreme Court, the Uttar Pradesh government reconstituted the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is now headed by Inspector General Kiran S. The SIT has also been strengthened with the inclusion of a forensic audit expert to scrutinise financial records and trace the alleged diversion of devotees’ offerings.
The Supreme Court has been closely monitoring the probe and recently directed the SIT to submit a status report within two weeks. The Court’s intervention has added judicial oversight to the investigation, while authorities continue examining temple staff, financial transactions and the management of donations.
The government has not yet agreed to a dedicated parliamentary debate on the issue. Meanwhile, the BJP and the RSS have launched outreach efforts aimed at reassuring devotees and restoring public confidence, even as political tensions over the controversy continue to escalate ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
