Ayodhya, September 3: The appointment of retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra as the CEO of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple has elicited varied reactions from saints and religious leaders in Ayodhya. Many have welcomed the decision, expressing hope that his experience will lead to better and more transparent management of the temple. However, some saints have voiced their expectations regarding the appointment of trust members and the preservation of the temple’s religious traditions.
Mahant Sitaram Das Ji Maharaj extended his best wishes to Mishra, stating that a person who has served the nation now has the opportunity to serve Ram Lalla. He also mentioned the concerns raised by saints regarding the appointment of three trust members, noting that these individuals were not connected to the historical struggles of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
Mahant Raju Das praised the new CEO’s appointment, emphasizing that worship at the temple should align with the Vaishnav, saintly, and Ramanandi traditions. He urged the new CEO to focus on the management of cow shelters in Ayodhya. Raju Das expressed that it would have been better if a saint had been entrusted with the temple’s responsibilities, as they are more dedicated to serving and worshiping God. Nonetheless, he welcomed the appointment of the former military officer and wished him success.
Bajrang Lal Bagda, General Secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), described the appointment as part of an organizational change. He noted that any large institution must adapt its operations according to time, circumstances, and needs. Given the current situation of the temple, the CEO and all ten trustees have decided to implement necessary changes for improved management.
Mahant Deveshacharya Ji Maharaj of Siddh Peeth Hanumangarhi stated that the saint community initially opposed the idea of appointing a CEO. However, the Ram Temple Trust has unanimously selected Jitendra Mishra. It is reassuring for the saints that a former armed forces officer was chosen instead of an IAS or IPS officer, as they expect him to maintain the temple’s sanctity and discipline.
Mahamaandaleshwar Vishnu Das Ji Maharaj also viewed the appointment positively. He mentioned that the opposition attempted to politicize the issue of donations being stolen at the Ram Temple. The new CEO, Jitendra Mishra, played a significant role in ‘Operation Sindoor’ and has done commendable work for the country and society.
Religious leader Karpatri Ji Maharaj expressed happiness over Mishra’s appointment, highlighting his military career. He noted that Mishra participated in the Kargil War, received blessings from Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and rose to the rank of Air Chief Marshal, also contributing to ‘Operation Sindoor.’ Having such an experienced individual as the CEO of the Ram Temple is indeed fortunate.
Iqbal Ansari, a former litigant in the Babri Masjid case, also praised the decision to appoint Jitendra Mishra. He stated that the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is a center of faith for millions in the country and around the world. Appointing someone with a military background as the temple’s CEO is a wise choice. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, noting that the nation has always trusted individuals with military service.
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