Surat, July 11: Abhishek Datt, Secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) and co-in-charge of Karnataka, launched a verbal attack on the central government and the BJP during his visit to Surat on Saturday. He addressed issues related to the alleged donation controversy surrounding the Ram Temple, the situation of the Punjab Congress, the potential alliance with the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh, and the Siddhivinayak Temple matter in Maharashtra.
Regarding the alleged donation and offering controversy linked to the Ram Temple, Datt stated that the Congress has been protesting nationwide, demanding a fair investigation. The party insists that the inquiry should be conducted by a judicial commission under the supervision of a sitting judge of the Supreme Court.
He emphasized that the Prime Minister has played a significant role from the formation of the Ram Temple Trust to its foundation stone laying and consecration, raising questions about his silence on the matter. An audit should be conducted on all donations received and expenditures made by the Trust to ensure a transparent investigation. If any irregularities are found, the Trust should be restructured to establish a new system.
Datt dismissed rumors of internal discord within the Punjab Congress and the distancing of senior leaders from meetings. He asserted that decisions within the Congress are made through discussions, involving everyone’s input. Unlike the BJP, which he described as a party that operates through “chits,” the Congress allows open communication among its members. He stressed that the party functions democratically, contrasting it with dictatorial practices.
When asked about the potential alliance and seat-sharing with the Samajwadi Party for the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, Datt noted that the party’s in-charge and state president have already expressed their views. They are the appropriate authorities to comment on this matter, and the party will make decisions at the right time.
Commenting on Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s statements regarding the Siddhivinayak Temple, Datt remarked that public trust in matters of religious faith has been affected. Following the initiation of action in the Ram Temple donation case, there has been a decline in trust among devotees. He urged the central and Uttar Pradesh governments to conduct a fair investigation and take strict legal action against those responsible for the alleged irregularities, to restore public confidence.
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