Political Tensions Rise as Congress Leaders Blocked from Visiting Ayodhya's Ram Temple

Tensions escalated in Ayodhya as Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai and his delegation were blocked from visiting the Ram temple amid allegations of donation theft. Rai claimed he was under house arrest and vowed to stay until he could pray at the temple. The situation has sparked significant political controversy, with opposition parties accusing the ruling BJP of failing to protect Hindu interests. As protests continue, the BJP defends its actions, asserting that the guilty will face consequences. This unfolding drama raises questions about political motivations and the sanctity of religious practices.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 30, 2026, 18:00 IST

Congress Delegation Denied Access to Ram Temple

Ayodhya: The head of the Uttar Pradesh Congress, Ajay Rai, along with other party members, faced obstruction on Tuesday while attempting to visit the Ram temple in Ayodhya. This visit comes amid a significant political uproar regarding alleged misappropriation of donations, which has put the ruling BJP in a challenging position.

Rai asserted that he was effectively under 'house arrest' and declared he would remain in Ayodhya until he was permitted to pray at the temple.

He reported that other members of the delegation, who were traveling separately, were either halted en route, confined to their residences, or detained by law enforcement. However, there was no official confirmation regarding these actions.

The Congress group, led by Rai, had planned the visit in light of the ongoing scandal concerning the alleged embezzlement of funds at the temple. The delegation included MPs Kishori Lal Sharma (Amethi), Rakesh Rathor (Sitapur), Ujjwal Raman Singh (Prayagraj), and Tanuj Punia (Barabanki).

In a video statement, Amethi MP Sharma expressed frustration, stating, 'They could not prevent the theft of donations, yet they have barred us Hindus from praying at the temple. What kind of Sanatan tradition is this that stops people from having darshan?' He too was stopped from entering the temple.

Approximately two dozen Congress activists, including youth wing leader Sharad Shukla, were detained while protesting outside Acharya Narendra Dev University in Kumar Ganj, where Rai was being monitored by police in a guest house. They were demanding access to the Ram temple, according to police reports.

Rai mentioned that he was relocated from a hotel to the government guesthouse at the university around midnight by police.

'What kind of government fears our visit to the Ram temple? I believe they have arrested me. Why else would they move me to this guesthouse in the middle of the night and keep me confined?' Rai communicated via phone.

Ayodhya Police did not immediately confirm whether Rai had been officially arrested.

Rai's wife, Reena Rai, released a video statement late Monday, claiming that her husband had been taken into custody without the family being informed of his location.

'We are concerned for his safety,' she stated.

Former Congress Rajya Sabha MP Aliya Zubairi and the party's Youth District President Sunil Krishna Gautam 'Ranu' were also reportedly detained during the protests, according to police sources.

Despite the detentions, Congress workers continued their demonstration at the university's main entrance.

Ujjwal Raman Singh, Congress MP from Prayagraj, was also reportedly prevented from leaving his residence in Ashok Nagar, as confirmed by his aide.

Vinay Kushwaha, a representative for Singh, stated that police had been stationed outside the residence since morning, not allowing him to depart for Ayodhya.

He noted that the police did not inform them whether the MP was under house arrest or had been detained, yet they continued to block his exit.

Rai had previously visited the Ram temple on June 18, shortly after allegations of donation embezzlement surfaced.

The claims of misappropriation have ignited a significant political debate, with opposition parties accusing the BJP and RSS of betraying Hindus and Lord Ram, calling for a more extensive investigation.

The BJP has responded by asserting that those responsible will face consequences, accusing opposition parties of politicizing the issue to create divisions within the Hindu community.

During a public meeting in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticized the Congress and Samajwadi Party regarding the controversy, accusing them of hypocrisy for their sudden support for Lord Ram.

'Who is truly advocating devotion to Lord Ram today? The same individuals who, prior to 2017, ordered lathi-charges against those chanting 'Jai Shri Ram.'

'When Ram devotees declared 'Ram Lalla Hum Aayenge, Mandir Wahin Banayenge,' they faced bullets. Now, those same people are speaking in the name of faith,' the Chief Minister remarked.