Uttar Pradesh BJP Chief Promises Strict Action on Ayodhya Temple Fund Misappropriation

BJP's Stance on Ayodhya Temple Fund Allegations

Pankaj Chaudhary, the head of the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, stated on Thursday that the government will take stringent measures regarding the alleged misappropriation of funds for the Ayodhya Ram Temple. He emphasized that those responsible will not be spared. Responding to calls from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) for a First Information Report (FIR), Chaudhary agreed that if any wrongdoing has occurred, it warrants serious action.

He further mentioned that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has already been established to probe the matter. In a statement to the media, he noted that the Chief Minister has taken decisive steps, and the formation of the SIT will clarify the situation once the report is released. Regarding rumors about the potential resignation of Champat Rai, the General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Chaudhary advised against jumping to conclusions before the investigation concludes, asserting that Rai has not been involved in any such activities.

In response to criticism from the opposition, the BJP leader accused political parties of attempting to tarnish institutional reputations. He insisted that the investigation should be allowed to run its course before any conclusions are drawn. Chaudhary remarked that making accusations is the opposition's role, pointing out that while Akhilesh Yadav is now concerned about the Ram Janmabhoomi, he was indifferent when Ram Lalla was residing in a tent. He assured that the ongoing investigation will ensure accountability.

This statement follows allegations made by former SP MLA Pawan Pandey, who claimed that ₹7 to ₹7.5 crores were misappropriated from the donations received for the temple. In light of these accusations, the state government formed a three-member SIT on June 14 at the request of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Trust to investigate the alleged scam related to temple donations.