INDIA bloc MPs, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, staged a dramatic protest in the Parliament complex on July 31, 2026, accusing the government of "donation theft" at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The opposition demanded the resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah and questioned his absence from the House.
Key Takeaways
- INDIA bloc MPs staged a theatrical protest at Makar Dwar over alleged Ram Temple donation theft.
- Independent MP Pappu Yadav, clad in saffron, enacted a "chanda chori" (donation theft) skit with donation boxes.
- The opposition demanded Home Minister Amit Shah's resignation and questioned his absence from parliamentary proceedings.
A highly dramatic scene unfolded in the Parliament complex on Friday as opposition MPs belonging to the INDIA bloc staged a unique protest against the alleged "theft" of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Clad in saffron, Independent MP Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, sat with donation boxes to enact a symbolic skit of the alleged financial irregularities.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi actively participated in the protest. The demonstration was double-barreled, targeting not only the alleged temple donation scam but also the police's heavy-handed crackdown on student agitators during their July 20 march to Parliament over the NEET paper leak issue.
The Theatrical Protest at Makar Dwar
Protesting in front of the steps of Makar Dwar, opposition lawmakers raised high-decibel slogans such as 'Amit Shah istifa do' (Amit Shah, resign), 'Amit Shah sadan mein aao' (Amit Shah, come to the House), and 'chadhawa chor, gaddi chorh' (donation thieves, vacate the throne).
As part of a choreographed skit, several MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, dropped money into the symbolic donation boxes kept on the steps. Pappu Yadav, portraying a corrupt custodian, then slipped the money into his pockets to symbolize the alleged siphoning of temple funds. Prominent leaders like Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Samajwadi Party's Awadhesh Prasad, and JMM's Mahua Maji stood behind a massive banner reading: 'Amit Shah Sadan Se Gayab Kyun?' (Why is Amit Shah missing from the House?).
| Issue | Opposition Allegation | Government/Trust Stand |
|---|---|---|
| Ram Temple Donations | Alleged financial embezzlement and lack of transparency in donation management. | Dismissed allegations as politically motivated and completely baseless. |
| Home Minister's Absence | Questioned why Amit Shah is absent during crucial debates in the House. | Maintained that parliamentary protocols are being fully respected and followed. |
| NEET Student Protests | Condemned the use of brutal force against students protesting the paper leak. | Stated that police action was necessary to maintain law and order near Parliament. |
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the opposition's strategy has undergone a significant shift. By targeting the Ram Temple—the crown jewel of the BJP's socio-political narrative—on charges of financial corruption, the INDIA bloc is attempting to neutralize the ruling party's ideological advantage. Simultaneously linking it with the NEET paper leak allows the opposition to appeal to both religious sentiments and the grievances of the youth.
"By attacking the financial integrity of the Ram Temple trust, the opposition is attempting to pierce the BJP's core ideological shield, turning a symbol of pride into a point of accountability."
Historical Background
This is not the first time the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has faced allegations of financial impropriety. In the past, opposition parties have raised questions regarding land purchase deals around the temple site in Ayodhya, alleging inflated prices and land-grabbing. While the Trust has consistently denied all allegations, presenting audited accounts to prove transparency, the issue remains a potent political weapon in the hands of a rejuvenated opposition.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was the main objective of the opposition's protest?
The opposition aimed to highlight alleged corruption in Ram Temple donations and protest against the police crackdown on students protesting the NEET paper leak.
2. Who enacted the symbolic 'donation theft' skit?
Independent MP Pappu Yadav, dressed in saffron robes, enacted the skit by pocketing money dropped into symbolic donation boxes by other opposition leaders.
