Opposition leaders in Uttar Pradesh criticized the BJP government for allegedly protecting influential figures involved in the Ayodhya Ram Temple donation theft scandal. This reaction follows the filing of an FIR against eight individuals and the resignations of two key members of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, after visiting the temple, expressed concerns about the lack of action against the actual culprits. He criticized the formation of a purportedly fake Special Investigation Team and the registration of a misleading FIR that only names minor individuals.
Congress leader Digvijaya Singh highlighted the unprecedented nature of the donation scam at a temple in India’s history. He emphasized the need for accountability, suggesting that those responsible, including Trust members Champat Rai and Anil Mishra, should face legal action.
Congress leader Rajeev Shukla labeled the embezzlement as a betrayal and called for a Supreme Court-monitored investigation. He raised suspicions of the involvement of prominent figures in the scandal, given the prolonged nature of the malpractice despite surveillance measures.
CPI General Secretary D. Raja criticized Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for failing to uphold his anti-corruption stance. He demanded transparency and a thorough judicial inquiry to uncover the full extent of the wrongdoing.
Samajwadi Party MLA Ravidas Mehrotra questioned the exclusion of Champat Rai from the FIR and called for an inquiry into his actions. He held the Uttar Pradesh CM accountable for the incident and demanded his resignation for alleged negligence.
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra highlighted the absence of proper financial records for the temple donations and the missing valuables. She underscored the significance of accountability, especially considering the trust placed by millions of Hindu devotees in the Ram Temple.
