India’s ruling party risks being sucked into Uttar Pradesh temple donation probe row

An investigation into alleged financial irregularities at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, a project closely linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party, has led to the resignation of two office bearers and the arrest of eight officials from the managing trust. Allegations of embezzlement, including the theft of cash and precious metals donated by devotees, surfaced earlier this month. The temple, built on a site central to a decades-long campaign by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is a significant project for the party. This probe comes as the BJP prepares for a crucial election in Uttar Pradesh. Monthly cash donations to the temple reportedly range from 40 million to 100 million rupees.

The Ram Temple in Ayodhya, India, is facing embezzlement allegations involving potentially millions of dollars in donations. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the shrine, is under scrutiny after a former supervisor publicly raised concerns about financial irregularities. The allegations have led to a state government investigation, the registration of a criminal case, and at least eight arrests, including individuals involved in handling temple offerings. The scandal has caused public outrage among devotees and is politically embarrassing for Prime Minister Modi's government ahead of crucial state elections. The trust's general secretary and other trustees have stepped down amidst the controversy.

The Ram temple in Ayodhya, inaugurated in January 2024, is facing allegations of embezzlement of donations from devotees, amounting to tens of millions of rupees. Questions have been raised regarding the handling of cash, jewelry, gold, and silver offered by visitors. In response to the controversy and petitions filed in the Supreme Court, the state government has established a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the claims. Police have named eight individuals in a report alleging embezzlement, and all are currently in custody and being questioned. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the shrine, has denied any wrongdoing.