Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge criticized the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP for their response to the alleged theft of cash offerings at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. The RSS had appealed for public restraint following concerns over the theft and security lapses at the temple. Kharge accused the BJP and RSS of exploiting Lord Ram’s name for political and financial gains.
Kharge stated that the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had centered their political identity around the Ram Temple, while the RSS had gained political relevance from the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. He referred to the theft as a “donation theft” and criticized attempts to shield those responsible. Kharge viewed the RSS’s call for restraint as an effort to deter questioning of the incident, revealing what he called the organization’s true intentions.
The minister alleged that the RSS aimed to avoid public scrutiny due to its political influence. He condemned the BJP and RSS for using Lord Ram’s name for political and financial benefits, noting that defending the alleged perpetrators not only showed political opportunism but also disrespected the faith of devotees. Kharge emphasized that the Ram Temple had become a tool for power and wealth acquisition for the BJP and RSS.
The RSS expressed concerns about administrative and security lapses at the Ayodhya temple, sparking a political debate. Opposition parties have seized on the controversy to challenge the ruling BJP. The differing narratives presented by both sides have intensified the political discourse surrounding the temple management.
