New Delhi, July 11: The Congress on Saturday sharpened its attack on the Union government over allegations of financial irregularities involving donations made to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, announcing that the issue will be prominently raised during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Launching a nationwide political campaign, senior Congress leaders addressed coordinated press conferences in multiple cities, alleging that the reported findings of the ongoing investigation reveal only a fraction of the alleged financial misconduct. The party demanded a transparent and independent probe under the supervision of the Supreme Court, asserting that public confidence in one of India’s most significant religious institutions must be protected.
The BJP, however, rejected the opposition’s allegations of political shielding and reiterated that anyone found guilty after the completion of investigations would face strict legal action.
Congress Questions Government’s Silence
Congress leaders questioned the absence of any public response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the controversy, arguing that the matter extends beyond politics because it concerns donations made by millions of devotees.
Addressing the media in New Delhi, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh alleged that the reported irregularities had deeply hurt the sentiments of worshippers across the country.
He maintained that the issue deserved complete transparency and accountability, adding that the public expected an explanation from the country’s leadership on developments related to the temple trust.
According to the Congress, the reported findings of the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry should be treated only as an initial stage, with a broader investigation needed to establish accountability.
Demand for Judicial Oversight
Senior Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi called for an inquiry monitored by a sitting or retired Supreme Court judge, arguing that such supervision would strengthen public confidence in the investigation.
He also urged the government to conduct a comprehensive forensic audit of the temple trust’s financial records from the time of its establishment.
The party further proposed restructuring the governing trust by including eminent religious scholars, constitutional experts and independent public representatives to improve transparency and institutional accountability.
Congress leaders argued that public donations offered at places of worship carry enormous emotional and spiritual value, making financial accountability essential.
Nationwide Campaign by Congress
The Congress organised simultaneous press conferences in several states as part of a coordinated campaign to highlight the issue.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot called for the formation of a Supreme Court-monitored Special Investigation Team, saying that an independent mechanism would ensure credibility and impartiality.
He also suggested dissolving the existing Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and constituting a fresh body comprising respected religious leaders and representatives from different traditions.
Party General Secretary K.C. Venugopal described the allegations as a matter affecting the faith of millions of devotees and said Parliament would become an important platform for seeking answers from the government.
Opposition Leaders Seek Accountability
Congress leaders from different regions echoed similar demands during their respective press interactions.
Sachin Pilot argued that investigations should identify every individual responsible for any financial wrongdoing, irrespective of their position or influence. He stressed that accountability must extend to everyone connected with the alleged irregularities.
Former Union Minister Pawan Bansal sought legal action against those who previously held key positions within the temple trust, while also asking the government to explain the trust’s formation, appointments and oversight mechanisms.
Congress leaders Manikrao Thakre and Kanhaiya Kumar also demanded an independent judicial inquiry, stating that accountability should remain the central objective of the investigation.
All India Mahila Congress president Alka Lamba, speaking in Srinagar, urged the Prime Minister to respond publicly to the concerns being raised and support an impartial judicial investigation.
BJP Rejects Allegations of Political Protection
Responding to the Congress campaign, the Bharatiya Janata Party maintained that the investigation is proceeding according to law and that no individual found guilty would be protected.
The ruling party accused the Congress of attempting to politicise an issue linked to religious faith ahead of the Parliament session.
BJP leaders stated that investigative agencies should be allowed to complete their work without political interference, adding that accountability would be determined through the legal process rather than public accusations.
The party also alleged that the opposition was attempting to create unnecessary controversy around the Ram Temple despite the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency.
Parliament Session Expected to Witness Heated Debate
With Parliament scheduled to convene soon, the controversy is expected to emerge as one of the major political flashpoints during the session.
The Congress has indicated that it will continue raising questions regarding the investigation, the functioning of the temple trust and the government’s response to the allegations.
The ruling alliance, meanwhile, is expected to defend the ongoing probe while accusing the opposition of exploiting a sensitive religious issue for political advantage.
As investigations continue, both sides are preparing for an intense confrontation inside Parliament, where the debate is likely to focus on transparency, institutional accountability and public trust in the management of religious donations.
The outcome of the investigation and the discussions in Parliament are expected to shape the political discourse surrounding the issue in the coming weeks.