Rahul Gandhi and B.V. K. Kharge Demand an Independent Probe into Alleged Ayodhya Temple Donation Misuse

In a letter that landed on the Prime Minister’s desk this week, senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and B.V. K. Kharge sounded a stark warning: the silence surrounding the alleged misappropriation of funds collected for the Ayodhya Ram Temple is "unacceptable" and demands immediate, independent scrutiny.

Gandhi’s missive, addressed to Narendra Modi, points to a series of media reports and complaints from donors who claim that a sizeable chunk of their contributions never reached the Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust. The leaders argue that the lack of a transparent audit has fuelled suspicion, eroding public confidence not only in the trust but also in the broader infrastructure of charity and religious fund‑raising in India.

“When people donate out of devotion, they expect those monies to be used for the stated purpose. If those monies are disappearing, silence is not an option,” Gandhi wrote. He added that an independent probe—perhaps under the aegis of the Comptroller and Auditor General or a specially constituted committee—would help set the record straight and restore faith.

Kharge, a veteran of Indian politics and former Union Minister, echoed similar concerns. He noted that the alleged irregularities, if proven, could amount to a serious breach of trust, potentially violating provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Indian Trusts Act. “The rule of law must apply equally, irrespective of the cause or the institutions involved,” he stressed.

The controversy stems from allegations that a portion of the donations—estimated by some sources to be in the tens of crores—has been diverted to private accounts linked to members of the temple’s managing committee. While the Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust has denied any wrongdoing, it has not released a comprehensive audit, prompting further doubts.

Opposition parties have taken up the cause, organising rallies and press conferences across several states. They argue that the ruling government, which has championed the construction of the temple, should not turn a blind eye when its own credibility is at stake. “A temple that stands on the foundations of transparency will truly be a ‘Ram Mandir’ for all Indians,” one activist remarked during a recent gathering in Delhi.

Supporters of the Prime Minister, however, contend that the issue is being politicised, insisting that internal mechanisms within the trust are sufficient to address any discrepancies. They warn that an external probe could delay the much‑anticipated inauguration of the temple, slated for later this year.

Regardless of the political cross‑talk, the core demand remains consistent: an impartial, time‑bound investigation that is made public, ensuring that every rupee donated reaches its intended purpose. The Congress leaders have asked the Prime Minister to issue a formal order within the next fortnight, signalling that the matter will not be allowed to slip into obscurity.

As the debate intensifies, donors are watching closely, hoping that their faith‑based contributions will finally be accounted for. The outcome could set a precedent for how religious donations are monitored in India, marking a potential turning point in the nation’s approach to transparency and accountability.