Controversy Over Ram Temple Donations: Swami Avimukteshwaranand Raises Questions
Allegations of Embezzlement at Ram Temple
NEW DELHI: Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati of Jyotirmath has expressed skepticism regarding the First Information Report (FIR) filed in connection with alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. He pointed out that the individuals named in the FIR are primarily lower-level employees, while those complicit in larger fraudulent activities seemingly remain untouched.
During his address to reporters in Sambhal as part of his ongoing ‘Gau Dharma Yatra’, the seer openly criticized the operations of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, asserting that the temple’s administration has failed to uphold traditional religious practices.
Critique of Trust’s Leadership
“What can be said about the theft of donations?” he questioned. “From the outset, arbitrary decisions have been made regarding the Ram temple. Not a single guideline from the scriptures, Vedas, or the counsel of religious leaders has been heeded. Instead, the trust was formed with members chosen by political figures, sidelining saints, sages, and priests,” he stated, as reported by PTI.
He further suggested that if the aim had been to ensure transparency, the responsibility of the trust could have been assigned to esteemed figures such as the four Shankaracharyas and other recognized religious leaders, instead of placing it in the hands of “political associates.”
Concerns Over the FIR
Regarding the FIR related to the alleged misappropriation of donations, Avimukteshwaranand remarked that those implicated were only those tasked with counting cash donations. “We understand that the FIR has been filed against those who merely counted the currency. They just straightened and bundled the notes. What about the larger-scale theft that likely ensued? A person engaged in counting notes, even if illicit, could only take a few. Major thefts are orchestrated by influential individuals. No FIR has been lodged against them,” he argued.
This statement coincided with the arrest of eight individuals named in the FIR regarding the alleged embezzlement of funds intended for the Ram Temple.
Government Actions and Political Implications
The FIR was filed following a complaint from Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust member Krishna Mohan, based on recommendations from a preliminary report by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) established by the Uttar Pradesh government. In total, nine individuals have been named as primary suspects, alongside several unidentified persons. The investigation is being led by the local circle officer in Ayodhya.
Avimukteshwaranand remarked that if the opposition had motives behind raising the issue, it is not without basis. “If the accusations held real weight, an FIR should have been lodged immediately, even against unnamed figures. The eventual filing of an FIR following an inquiry indicates there was merit for investigation. The opposition is simply fulfilling its duty by highlighting these irregularities,” he stated.
Criticism of the BJP and Call for Genuine Candidates
Taking aim at the BJP, Avimukteshwaranand characterized the party’s Hindutva stance as ‘fake’ and labeled its members as ‘fake Hindus’. “While the party itself is officially registered, its Hindutva principles lack authenticity. Those who disregard the Vedas cannot be considered true Hindus. Authentic Hindus adhere to the Vedas, scriptures, and their gurus, which these individuals do not,” he said.
This commentary comes in light of the ongoing political unrest surrounding the alleged donation scandal. Following the controversy, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust chief Champat Rai and trust member Anil Mishra chose to resign from their positions, taking moral responsibility as all individuals implicated in the FIR have been detained.
Support for Cow Protection and Voter Engagement
Avimukteshwaranand also welcomed the Uttar Pradesh government’s initiative to restore ancient pilgrimage sites in Kalki Nagari, Sambhal but criticized it for demolishing temples in Varanasi, asserting that history would judge the government’s actions harshly. He has been conducting the ‘Gau Dharma Yatra’ since May 3, traversing nearly 170 Assembly constituencies from Gorakhpur, advocating for voter support towards candidates committed to cow protection in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections.
Addressing allegations that the campaign aims to assist any political party, he clarified that anyone is welcome to benefit politically from it. “The BJP stands to gain the most if they declare the cow as ‘rajmata’; however, they have refrained from doing so. If other parties wish to gain from this, we are not obstructing them,” he noted.
Lastly, he encouraged voters to back ‘genuine’ candidates who uphold the tenets of Sanatan Dharma, suggesting that this will eventually foster an alternative political leadership in the region.
