BJP Member of Parliament and film star Kangana Ranaut on July 8 issued a scathing statement accusing the Indian National Congress of exploiting the Ram Temple donation case for political gain. Representing the Mandi constituency of Himachal Pradesh, Ranaut asserted that the Congress had opposed the construction of the Ayodhya temple for years, yet now attempts to turn the same issue into a vote‑bank strategy.

Historical Context of the Ayodhya Dispute

The Ayodhya Ram Temple controversy has been one of India’s most polarising religious‑political battles. After the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992, a series of court cases culminated in the Supreme Court’s 2019 verdict, which cleared the way for a Hindu temple at the disputed site. Subsequent fundraising drives for the temple’s construction sparked allegations of irregularities in the collection and allocation of donations.

Congress’s Long‑Standing Opposition

Since independence, the Congress party has generally adopted a cautious stance on the Ayodhya issue, positioning itself as a guardian of communal harmony. Throughout the 1990s, when the matter surged to national prominence, Congress leaders publicly criticised temple construction, reinforcing the party’s image as secular and opposed to communal politics.

Ranaut’s New Attack

In her statement, Ranaut said, “Lord Ram is the embodiment of faith for millions of Indians, and the temple’s erection was possible only after centuries of struggle and sacrifice. The Congress now weaponises this sacred cause for electoral mileage.” She also alleged that the Himachal Pradesh government attempted to divert temple donations for state development schemes, while simultaneously raising the issue to score political points.

Potential Political Fallout

Ranaut’s remarks could reshape the narrative ahead of upcoming elections. If the Congress continues to leverage the temple controversy without substantive reforms, it risks further erosion of its credibility among voters seeking genuine governance. Conversely, the BJP can portray itself as the steadfast protector of “Sanatan” culture, consolidating its hold on the religious‑cultural vote bank.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Uttar Pradesh has recently arrested eight individuals linked to alleged embezzlement of temple offerings, and the Ram Temple Trust has replaced its general secretary. As political parties trade accusations, the real test will be whether the issue becomes a catalyst for policy change or merely a battlefield for partisan point‑scoring.