Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding an independent probe into alleged Ram Mandir donation theft [1].
The demand comes as the opposition seeks accountability for funds collected for the Ayodhya temple, suggesting that the misappropriation of these donations represents a significant breach of public trust.
The letter was sent on Saturday, hours before an all-party meeting for the Monsoon Session of Parliament in New Delhi [2]. The leaders said they condemn the Prime Minister's lack of public comment on the matter [2].
In the correspondence, Gandhi and Kharge said, "We seek an independent probe into the alleged misappropriation of donations made to the Ayodhya Ram temple" [1]. The authors of the letter targeted the leadership of the temple trust, specifically citing the former general secretary [2].
Gandhi said "your silence is unacceptable" in reference to the Prime Minister [2]. He said former Temple general secretary Champat Rai is a "disgrace" [2].
The Congress leaders said the lack of transparency regarding the embezzlement row requires an immediate and impartial investigation to ensure that the contributions made by devotees are accounted for [1]. They said the request is a necessary step toward transparency before the parliamentary session begins [2].
“"Your silence is unacceptable"”
This move by the Congress leadership leverages a high-visibility religious symbol to challenge the current administration's transparency. By timing the letter just before the Monsoon Session's all-party meeting, the opposition is attempting to set the legislative agenda and force the government to address allegations of financial misconduct within a project closely tied to the Prime Minister's political identity.
