The Aam Aadmi Party announced a pan‑India signature drive on Sunday, urging strict punishment for those implicated in the Ram Temple donation fraud. The party accuses the central government of shielding the culprits.
Key Takeaways (मुख्य बिंदु)
- AAP initiates a national signature campaign on the Ram Temple donation scandal
- Party alleges the central government is protecting the main perpetrators
- Campaign follows a public Sunderkand recitation and calls for mass participation
New Delhi (The Hindu) – The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) declared on Sunday that it will launch a nationwide signature campaign demanding that individuals who misappropriated donations meant for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya face the ultimate penalty – hanging. The drive will culminate in an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to be signed by citizens across the country.
Background and Current Status
When the Ram Temple project was approved in 2020, a dedicated fund was set up to collect contributions from devotees and philanthropists. By 2024, questions surfaced about the transparency of fund utilisation, prompting journalists and civil‑society groups to allege that a substantial portion of the money had been siphoned off. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted, yet AAP contends that the SIT’s findings are merely an attempt to mislead the public and bury the matter.
AAP’s Appeal and Tactical Move
Party chief Arvind Kejriwal announced that a “Sunderkand” recitation will take place at Japanese Park in Rohini’s Sector‑10 at 10 a.m., after which the signature campaign will be formally launched. He stated, “Those guilty of stealing from the Temple of Bhagwan Ram should be hanged; protecting them is a ‘mahapaap’ (grave sin).” Kejriwal added that only eight junior staff members have been arrested, while high‑level officials are being shielded.
Political Implications and Potential Outcomes
The move positions AAP to intensify pressure on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Prime Minister’s office. Broad public backing could accelerate the investigation, compel stricter accountability for public donations, and reshape the governance of charitable funds in India. Conversely, opponents may label the campaign a political stunt, potentially sparking heated parliamentary debates and new legislative initiatives.
Future Trajectory
As the signature drive gains momentum, AAP has pledged to combine legal action with heightened social awareness. The repercussions of this campaign could extend beyond the immediate case, influencing how public money is audited and managed nationwide.
