Source The Hindu
New Delhi/Ayodhya: In a significant development that has stirred political and religious circles alike, senior members of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Champat Rai and Anil Mishra, have reportedly tendered their resignations following a growing controversy surrounding donations made for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
The issue erupted after allegations surfaced questioning the transparency and handling of funds collected for the temple project, which has been one of the most prominent religious initiatives in recent years. While the Trust has consistently denied any wrongdoing, the matter gained traction after opposition leaders demanded greater accountability and a thorough audit of the donations received.
Champat Rai, who served as the general secretary of the Trust, has been a key figure in overseeing the temple construction and fundraising efforts. Anil Mishra, another prominent member, also played a crucial role in administrative and financial decisions. Their resignations are being seen as an attempt to contain the fallout and maintain public confidence in the project.
Sources close to the Trust indicate that the decision was taken voluntarily to ensure that the controversy does not hinder the progress of the temple construction. “The Ram Temple is a matter of faith for millions. Any distraction or allegation should not affect its sanctity or timeline,” a source said.
The Trust has reiterated its commitment to transparency, stating that all donations have been managed in accordance with established norms and audited regularly. It also emphasized that detailed financial records are maintained and can withstand scrutiny.
Meanwhile, political reactions have intensified. Opposition parties have called for an independent investigation into the matter, alleging irregularities in land purchases and fund utilization. They argue that given the scale of public contributions, there must be complete clarity on how the money is being used.
On the other hand, supporters of the Trust have dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, aimed at tarnishing the image of a historic religious project. Several leaders and religious figures have come forward in support of the Trust, urging people not to lose faith.
The Ram Temple in Ayodhya has been under construction since the Supreme Court’s landmark verdict in 2019 paved the way for its development. The project has received donations from millions of devotees across India and abroad, making it one of the largest public-funded religious constructions in the country.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes are now on the Trust’s next steps and whether the resignations will help ease tensions or further deepen the controversy. The developments also raise broader questions about governance, transparency, and accountability in large-scale religious initiatives.
For now, the Trust has assured devotees that construction work continues uninterrupted and that the temple will be completed as planned, keeping the faith of millions intact.
