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Ram temple donations: How it ballooned into a raging row

Daniel Jones जून 27, 2026

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Ram Temple Donation Controversy Escalates into Political Firestorm

Ram temple donations – Two years after the Ram Temple’s consecration marked a key political achievement for the BJP, disputes over donation transparency have ignited a major debate. What began as a financial scrutiny has now drawn criticism from multiple parties, challenging the trust’s management of offerings.

Accusations of Donation Discrepancies

The dispute emerged on June 7 when Samajwadi Party leader Pawan Pandey claimed ₹5 crore to ₹7.5 crore in donations were misappropriated. The same day, the temple trust denied these claims, with Champat Rai insisting that all contributions from devotees were meticulously tracked and reviewed.

Push for Independent Inquiry

On June 7, SP president Akhilesh Yadav called for a separate investigation, emphasizing the need for clarity. Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai and AAP MP Sanjay Singh joined the demand, framing the issue as a matter of public confidence rather than party rivalry.

Special Investigation Team Formed

By June 13, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had directed the creation of a three-member SIT, including Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, IG Kiran S, and Special Secretary (Finance) Neel Ratan. The team began examining trust officials, outsourced workers, security staff, and State Bank of India personnel involved in handling donations.

Between June 15 and 20, investigators scrutinized processes like recruitment, CCTV footage, and the handling of cash, gold, and silver offerings. They identified around 150 individuals for review, with about 25 facing deeper examination. Recoveries of currency and precious metals were reported during the probe.

Progress in the Investigation

On June 23, the SIT issued a preliminary report urging the registration of a criminal case and suggesting changes to donation oversight. The following day, temple Trust member Krishna Mohan filed a police complaint, leading to the FIR and the arrest of eight individuals.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s Alok Kumar demanded an FIR if evidence confirmed theft. The investigation, initiated by the BJP government, continues to expand, with the SIT’s findings now under public scrutiny.

Historical Context and Current Dynamics

Earlier in 2021, opposition parties questioned land transactions near the temple, but those concerns remained within political circles. In contrast, the current probe has seen legal action, arrests, and a broader focus on accountability, shifting the narrative from ideological disputes to concrete action.