BJP, Akhilesh clash over Ram Mandir donation row as SIT probe continues

The BJP and the Samajwadi Party (SP) locked horns in Uttar Pradesh over SP chief Akhilesh Yadav alleging irregularities regarding the handling of donations at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Yadav had also alleged that donations amounting to crores went missing.

BJP slams Akhilesh

Lashing out at Yadav over his claims, UP Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak on Thursday (June 18) dubbed him “anti-Sanatan". He also said that Yadav never bothered to raise questions on the donations for the proposed Babri Masjid near Ayodhya.

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"The SP chief never questioned the Babri Masjid donations. He only talks about the Ram Mandir donations. This shows he is only concerned about his vote bank,” said Pathak as quoted by NDTV.

Elaborating further, the Deputy Chief Minister said that an investigation was going on and anyone found to be involved in any kind of malpractice regarding donations for the Ram Mandir would be brought to justice. He advised Yadav to wait till the investigation is complete.

Akhilesh alleges Ram Temple donation irregularities

Yadav on Wednesday (June 18) intensified his criticism of the BJP over the controversy surrounding donations made to the Ram temple, raising questions over transparency in the handling of funds.

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His remarks came shortly after the Uttar Pradesh government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into allegations related to the misuse of donations and concerns regarding the financial functioning of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

Speaking at a press conference in Lucknow, Yadav alleged that CCTV footage linked to the matter had gone missing and claimed there was little clarity regarding the management of donations. "People are asking why no proper account is being provided. Questions are being raised about donations, offerings, and other funds," he stated.

SIT probe underway

The SP chief also accused the BJP of being "more concerned with money than religion" and said the public was focused on issues such as development, rising prices and social harmony rather than political divisions.

Meanwhile, the three-member SIT continued its investigation into the alleged irregularities and questioned individuals associated with the temple administration. It is also examining complaints concerning the trust's financial management.

The SIT was set up by the state government on June 13 after the trust sought an independent probe, saying it was necessary to establish facts and address what it termed as "misinformation" surrounding the allegations. The trust has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that internal audits have found no evidence supporting claims of missing donation funds.