Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal has demanded a Supreme Court‑monitored judicial probe into the alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple, branding the current SIT inquiry as a sham and accusing the BJP-led governments of shielding the perpetrators.
Key Takeaways
- Venugopal demands a Supreme Court‑monitored investigation
- SIT probe labeled a sham and ineffective
- Accusations that BJP governments are protecting the culprits
Congress leader and AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal addressed reporters in Guruvayur on July 11, demanding a Supreme Court‑monitored judicial investigation into the alleged diversion of donations meant for the Ayodhya Ram Temple. He asserted that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up by the Uttar Pradesh government is merely a façade, failing to bring the real perpetrators to justice.
Background of the Ongoing Inquiry
The Uttar Pradesh government formed the SIT in 2024 after complaints surfaced about the misuse of funds collected for the temple’s construction and associated rituals. Venugopal contended that the team’s work is a “farce,” pointing to evidence that senior officials of the centrally‑appointed temple trust were aware of the irregularities yet took no corrective action. He further alleged that CCTV footage was deliberately erased and that warnings from security personnel were ignored.
Allegations Against BJP‑Led Governments
Both the central and Uttar Pradesh administrations are led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Venugopal questioned why these governments refuse a Supreme Court‑supervised probe if they have “nothing to hide.” He warned that this scandal is not isolated to Ayodhya – similar accusations have emerged from the Badrinath and Kedarnath temples, suggesting a pattern of mismanagement under BJP rule.
Parliamentary Strategy
The Congress party plans to raise the issue forcefully in the upcoming Parliament session beginning July 20. They intend to seek a direct response from the Prime Minister, emphasizing that the misuse of devotees’ contributions is both a moral and legal breach. By foregrounding the matter in Parliament, the party hopes to pressure the government into accepting an independent, Supreme Court‑monitored investigation.
Potential Implications
Should the Supreme Court endorse a court‑monitored probe, it could set a precedent for greater transparency in the management of religious trusts across India. Legal scholars argue that such a high‑profile investigation would likely lead to stricter financial oversight mechanisms, curbing future misappropriation of charitable donations. Moreover, the outcome could influence public perception of the BJP’s handling of religious institutions, impacting its political capital ahead of upcoming elections.
