The Congress on Thursday, October 29, questioned the BJP over the alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya after charges reportedly could not be framed against eight accused for the third time.
The opposition party asked why former Ram temple trust officials Champat Rai and Anil Mishra had been named as witnesses rather than accused, and when investigators would examine the role of senior officials in the case.
Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the matter, alleging that the prime minister had been quick to claim credit for the temple but was now avoiding accountability over the alleged misappropriation of donations.
In a post on X, Ramesh said the proceedings had once again failed to reach the stage of framing charges against the eight accused. He added that the accused had appeared through video conferencing, while a request for video footage and audio recordings remained pending.
Congress Questions Delay in Access to Recordings
Ramesh alleged that the complete CCTV footage and audio recordings could reveal details about the alleged theft and the possible involvement of senior figures.
“The question is, whose secrets will be exposed if the full video footage and audio of the Ram Mandir come to light?” he said, adding that the delay in making the recordings available had raised questions.
The Congress leader claimed that CCTV cameras had captured 105 instances of donation money being removed. He also referred to audit warnings issued in 2020, a video of the alleged theft that surfaced on June 4, and an FIR registered on June 25.
Despite these developments, Ramesh questioned why accountability had not been established across the entire system.
He also accused BJP governments of protecting people associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the Vishva Hindu Parishad and the BJP. These allegations were made by the Congress as part of its criticism of the handling of the case.
Demand for Independent Investigation
The Congress has called for an independent and impartial investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court.
Ramesh said the inquiry should examine audit warnings, CCTV footage, financial transactions and the role of trust officials. He also demanded a comprehensive account of donations received in the name of Lord Ram.
The party has repeatedly questioned the Special Investigation Team-led probe, alleging that senior officials are being shielded while scrutiny remains focused on eight employees.
The Congress has also questioned Modi’s silence on the case, arguing that donations made by devotees in the name of Lord Ram require transparency and accountability.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is always at the forefront of taking credit for the Shri Ram Mandir, why is he now backing away from accountability for the donation theft?” Ramesh asked.
