Lucknow, July 1: Ajay Rai, the President of the Uttar Pradesh Congress, has raised concerns regarding the investigation into the theft of donations at the Ram Temple. He criticized the authorities for placing him under house arrest ahead of his pilgrimage to Ayodhya. Rai highlighted issues related to the temple’s management, transparency in donations at the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, and the extension of the deadline for uploading documents related to Waqf properties in Uttar Pradesh.
Regarding his house arrest during the Ayodhya pilgrimage, Rai stated that the authorities are attempting to suppress the theft case. He expressed frustration over being prevented from visiting the temple, asserting, “We want to have darshan of Lord Shri Ram. Are you going to stop us?” He emphasized that the actions of those in charge indicate their guilt in the matter, as locals have begun to speak out about the significant theft of donations.
On the SIT’s request for an additional 15 days to investigate the Ram Temple donation theft, Rai expressed skepticism. He pointed out that the SIT’s chairman, Vijay Vishwas Pant, was involved in a previous incident of a stampede in Prayagraj and has not faced any consequences. Rai accused Pant of working under government pressure, rendering the SIT’s investigation ineffective. He called for a time-bound inquiry led by a sitting judge of the High Court to ensure accountability.
In response to Mahant Dharmdas’s statement about the temple’s management being in the hands of saints, Rai agreed that the Shankaracharyas and religious leaders should be consulted. He insisted that the residents of Ayodhya, who have served Lord Ram, deserve recognition and respect.
Addressing concerns about donations at the Mahakal Temple, Rai noted that even minor disturbances have caused damage to the temple’s structures. He alleged that funds have been misappropriated and funneled to contractors from Gujarat, similar to practices observed in Varanasi. Rai also mentioned that funds from the Banke Bihari Temple in Mathura-Vrindavan have been misused, despite a Supreme Court directive against such actions.
On the demand to extend the deadline for uploading Waqf property documents, Rai stated that if there is a legitimate need for more time, it should be granted.
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