New Delhi, June 26: Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Rajeev Shukla held a press conference at the All India Congress Committee headquarters on Friday. He targeted the NDA government regarding the Ram Temple donation scandal, demanding the dissolution of the Ram Temple Trust and the arrest of the main accused.
Shukla raised serious questions about the functioning and donation management of the Ram Temple Trust. He called for a high-level investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court.
He alleged that there has been inadequate record-keeping of the jewelry, cash donations, and offerings made by devotees at the temple. Additionally, he insisted on dissolving the current trust and forming a new one that includes participation from religious leaders, Shankaracharyas, and saints.
Shukla stated, “There is no systematic accounting for the donations made to the temple. Allegations of irregularities in cash donations have also surfaced. For instance, if someone donated 1.3 million rupees, only 1 million rupees is recorded, with no explanation for the remaining amount.”
He claimed that numerous devotees have complained about not receiving receipts for their donations, and there are reports of a diamond necklace belonging to Lord Ram being allegedly missing.
The Congress Rajya Sabha member emphasized that the party’s primary demand is an investigation under the Supreme Court’s oversight, followed by the dissolution of the current trust and the establishment of a new one comprising only esteemed saints and spiritual leaders.
Shukla further remarked, “Complaints regarding the management of the temple trust are emerging from various parts of the country. A national policy should be formulated for the operation of temples, ensuring the appointment of religious, impartial, and honest individuals. Public trust has weakened, and concerns about the misuse of donations made in faith have increased.” He called for a review of the current donation collection system in temples and requested clear directives from the court regarding this matter.
Regarding the FIR filed in the Ram Temple donation scam, Shukla mentioned, “In response to questions about Champat Rai, I have already stated that FIRs have been registered against 7-8 minor individuals. Champat Rai and others associated with the trust are still being protected. We are talking about those above Champat Rai. It is not just within Champat Rai’s capacity for a scam worth thousands of crores to go unnoticed. This matter extends beyond him. While Champat Rai and others are responsible, there are others who must be held accountable as well. Therefore, a large-scale investigation is necessary. We have urged the Prime Minister to intervene immediately, as everyone was present during the temple’s consecration, and now everyone should step forward in this matter.”
On the management of the trust, the Congress MP stated that religious institutions should be run by individuals connected to faith and spirituality rather than politics. Currently, political influence is evident in the trust’s management, which Congress opposes. Religious scholars, spiritual leaders, and saints should play a prominent role in the trust, as they possess a better understanding of religious traditions and faith.
He questioned the necessity of individuals linked to political organizations in the trust’s operations and demanded that the management be entirely religious in nature.
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