Sanjay Raut Criticizes BJP Over Alleged Ram Temple Donation Scam
In a recent press conference, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut condemned the BJP-led central and Uttar Pradesh governments over allegations of a ₹7 crore embezzlement in donations for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Raut claimed that the BJP has a history of large-scale theft, including donations meant for Lord Ram. Following accusations from Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav regarding missing funds, Raut announced plans for a pilgrimage to Ayodhya to seek forgiveness from Lord Ram. The controversy has sparked demands for a judicial inquiry and transparency from the temple administration.
Jun 12, 2026, 14:47 IST
Sanjay Raut's Accusations Against BJP
Sanjay Raut, a member of the Shiv Sena (UBT), expressed strong criticism on Friday towards the central and Uttar Pradesh governments led by the BJP regarding the alleged embezzlement of ₹7 crore in donations for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. He asserted that the BJP has a history of large-scale theft, which includes not only electronic voting machines (EVMs) but also the donations made by devotees for Lord Ram. During a press conference, Raut announced that the Shiv Sena (UBT) plans to visit Ayodhya to bow before Lord Ram and seek forgiveness.
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Raut highlighted that the theft of over ₹5 crore in donations to the Ram Temple is clearly visible in CCTV footage. He stated, 'If ₹5 crore donated to Ram goes missing, both the UP and central governments are accountable. You already steal EVMs, votes, and seats; now you are also stealing from Ram's offerings. It seems that Lord Ram is calling us back. I spoke with Uddhav Thackeray yesterday and suggested that we should go to Ayodhya. Therefore, we are planning a visit to Ayodhya. We will first meet Lord Ram and bow our heads to seek forgiveness.'
Raut's comments followed allegations from Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav, who claimed that a significant amount of the donations has gone missing and called for a judicial inquiry. This controversy began with claims made by former SP MLA Pawan Pandey from Ayodhya, who alleged that ₹7 crore to ₹7.5 crore in donations were misappropriated. Champat Rai, the general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, has completely denied these allegations.
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Akhilesh Yadav has demanded an impartial investigation and questioned the silence of the Uttar Pradesh government on this matter. He urged the judiciary to take notice and called for the release of the CCTV footage related to the temple administration.
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