Ram Mandir donation row: Ajay Rai placed under house arrest, says Congress ahead of party delegation’s Ayodhya visit

Ram Mandir Donation Row: Congress Places Ajay Rai Under House Arrest Ahead of Ayodhya Delegation Visit

Theindiapostdaily.com – The Ram Mandir donation row has intensified as the Congress party moves to assert its influence over the management of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. On Tuesday, the party announced that its senior leader Ajay Rai, who leads the Uttar Pradesh Congress delegation, has been placed under house arrest at a hotel in Ayodhya. This decision comes ahead of the delegation’s planned visit to the temple, where they aim to address alleged financial irregularities in the donation process. The move signals the party’s resolve to challenge the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust’s handling of the issue, which has sparked widespread debate and scrutiny.

Background of the Ram Mandir Donation Dispute

The Ram Mandir donation row began after the Supreme Court approved the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, leading to a wave of public interest and a surge in donations. However, concerns emerged over the transparency and allocation of funds. The Congress party has alleged that the trust has misused contributions, with Rai at the center of these accusations. While the trust has not yet responded to the claims, the party’s action to detain Rai under house arrest underscores its determination to highlight the matter before its delegation arrives at the temple.

The delegation includes prominent Congress leaders such as MPs Kishori Lal Sharma (Amethi), Rakesh Rathor (Sitapur), Ujjwal Raman Singh (Prayagraj), and Tanuj Punia (Barabanki). Former Barabanki MP S P Gautam, along with former MLC Deepak Singh and other local representatives, are also part of the group. The visit is expected to draw attention to the alleged discrepancies in donation management and align with the party’s broader strategy to challenge the trust’s authority in the region.

Ayodhya Legal Front: Bar Association Calls for CBI Probe

Amid the political developments, the Faizabad Bar Association has taken a stand, boycotting court proceedings for the eight individuals arrested in the Ram Mandir donation row. The association has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged scam, arguing that the current legal framework is insufficient to address the complexities of the case. The resolution passed by the bar association fines members ₹5 lakh for appearing in court to defend the accused, emphasizing its commitment to holding those responsible accountable.

“The heavens are not going to fall… What is the urgency?”

The Supreme Court recently remarked during its hearing on the case, deferring the matter to after the summer break. The justices stated they would revisit the issue once the court resumes on July 13, highlighting the ongoing legal tension. The bar association’s resolution also targets Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, and Gopal Rao—figures linked to the temple’s administration but not named in the FIR. They have warned of potential city blockades if these individuals are not removed from their roles within three days.

Association president Kalika Prasad Mishra emphasized that the legal community in Ayodhya is rallying to ensure the case is handled with integrity. The group has pledged to escalate the matter to the high court or Supreme Court if necessary, underscoring the seriousness of their stance. This legal pressure adds another layer to the Ram Mandir donation row, as it intertwines the judiciary with the political and administrative controversies surrounding the temple.

State Bank of India’s Role in the Controversy

State Bank of India (SBI) sources revealed that the bank had recommended replacing staff involved in counting donations at the Ram Mandir approximately three months ago. This proposal, reportedly rejected by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, has fueled allegations of mismanagement. The SBI’s involvement highlights the critical role financial institutions play in scrutinizing the donation process, adding credibility to the Congress party’s claims of irregularities.

During a recent hearing, the eight accused—arrested last Thursday—were presented before Special Judge (Anti-Corruption Court) Rajat Verma via video conferencing. They were remanded to judicial custody for two additional weeks after the police opted not to seek immediate detention. Special Prosecution Officer Umesh Dubey confirmed the decision, stating that the court will evaluate the case further as it progresses. This legal step has drawn attention to the broader implications of the Ram Mandir donation row, not just for the trust but for the entire administration.

The ongoing dispute has also raised questions about the trust’s transparency in handling donations. With public interest in the temple at an all-time high, the allegations of financial misconduct have sparked a renewed debate on accountability and governance. The Congress delegation’s visit to Ayodhya is seen as a strategic move to galvanize support and pressure the trust into providing clearer explanations of its financial practices. As the situation unfolds, the Ram Mandir donation row continues to shape the political and social discourse in the region.

As the Congress party prepares for its Ayodhya visit, the Ram Mandir donation row has become a focal point for political strategy and public engagement. The house arrest of Ajay Rai, a key figure in the delegation, demonstrates the party’s commitment to resolving the issue swiftly. This action is likely to intensify pressure on the trust and bring the dispute to the forefront of national attention. The combination of legal, political, and administrative challenges in the Ram Mandir donation row is expected to have lasting effects on the temple’s management and the Congress party’s standing in the region.