Kejriwal Alleges Embezzlement in Ram Mandir Donations, UP Government Under Fire
NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal has leveled serious allegations against the Uttar Pradesh government, claiming it is shielding influential individuals involved in the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
During a press conference in Ayodhya, following his prayers at the temple, Kejriwal referred to the situation as a “maha dacoity” (great robbery), asserting that “very powerful demons” were implicated in this alleged theft.
“A significant robbery has occurred at the residence of Lord Ram. Items such as his ornaments, garlands, padukas, gold, silver, diamonds, jewellery, and vast sums of cash and offerings from devotees have reportedly been stolen from Lord Ram’s house,” Kejriwal stated.
He emphasized the deep emotional impact of this incident, noting, “Crores of people have faith in Lord Ram. Their sentiments have been deeply hurt. People are distressed, and I myself feel pained, which is why I came to the temple to seek Lord Ram’s blessings.”
Investigation Concerns
Kejriwal criticized the investigation into the matter, pointing out that the individuals allegedly responsible for the theft are also overseeing the inquiry. “The very people who committed the theft are supposed to take action. Clearly, they will not act against themselves; they are trying to shield themselves completely,” he asserted.
He further claimed that a fraudulent Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed, leading to a fake FIR being registered, implicating only eight minor individuals, with no prominent figures included.
Reactions from UP Government
In response to Kejriwal’s accusations, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticized the visit, remarking that the people of Delhi offered opportunities, but Kejriwal has contributed nothing but corruption in return.
“Today, even a gentleman (Arvind Kejriwal) from Delhi has come to Ayodhya. However, I would like to remind him that the people of Delhi have given him opportunities for many years, but all he has brought back is corruption,” the UP CM stated.
He added, “If the same justice that the double-engine BJP government has provided in Ayodhya is applied by the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi, then Delhi would shine like Ayodhya Dham is flourishing now.”
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
This controversy comes just a day after an FIR was lodged against eight individuals concerning the alleged misappropriation of donations linked to the temple. A local court has since placed all eight accused in judicial custody until June 29, with a subsequent court appearance scheduled for Monday.
The alleged discrepancies in temple donations have sparked intense political reactions over the past two weeks. Former Samajwadi Party MLA Pawan Pandey claimed between Rs 7 crore and Rs 7.5 crore in donations had been misappropriated.
Following these allegations, the Uttar Pradesh government established a three-member SIT on June 13, initiated after the Trust requested an investigation. The SIT, led by Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, is reviewing all procedures related to donation collection, counting, and storage, alongside scrutinizing financial records and interviewing nearly 150 individuals associated with the temple administration.
According to officials, while the preliminary report has suggested the need for administrative reforms to enhance transparency and accountability, its full details have yet to be released.
