Congress Demands Supreme Court Oversight in Alleged Ram Temple Fund Misappropriation

The Indian National Congress has called for a Supreme Court-supervised investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds intended for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. This demand was articulated by Congress leader Pramod Tiwari during a recent press briefing, where he expressed skepticism about the credibility of the current Special Investigation Team (SIT) handling the case. Tiwari labeled the ongoing investigation as a mere ‘sham’ and raised concerns about the credibility of the officer in charge, who is reportedly facing a criminal inquiry.

Tiwari accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of systematically exploiting the religious sentiments of the populace for financial gain, particularly in relation to the revered figure of Lord Ram. He stated, “While I am not asserting that every BJP member is a ‘donation thief,’ it is undeniable that those involved in such acts are predominantly from the BJP.” This assertion reflects the Congress party’s increasing scrutiny of the BJP’s financial dealings, especially surrounding high-profile projects like the Ram temple.

Furthermore, Tiwari highlighted that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ayodhya in 2024 for the temple’s inauguration, an alarming sum of Rs 112 crore was allegedly spent on preparatory arrangements. He raised eyebrows over the inflated costs, pointing out that flowers were procured at prices exorbitantly higher than their market value, and that the expenses related to seating were so excessive that new chairs could have been purchased instead. Such claims aim to cast doubt on the financial integrity of the temple trust.

The Congress leader emphasized that Modi cannot evade responsibility for the alleged embezzlement, as he played a direct role in appointing members to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Tiwari alleged that key religious figures, such as seers and saints, were excluded from the trust, leading to a composition that favors individuals aligned with the BJP. This exclusion raises questions about the transparency and accountability of the financial operations associated with the temple project.

As the controversy unfolds, the Congress party is positioning itself as a watchdog, demanding greater accountability from the ruling government regarding the management of religious donations. This issue not only highlights the intersection of religion and politics in India but also underscores the broader concerns regarding governance and financial integrity in prominent religious projects.

Source: scroll.in