New Delhi: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) Central Advisory Board has discussed the allegations of irregularities in donations collected for the Ram Mandir, at its two-day meeting in Haridwar. During the conversation, members suggested that accounts of other trusts that raised funds or collected gold in the name of the Ram Mandir—including the Ramalaya Trust and the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir Punarnirman Trust—should also be subjected to scrutiny.
The VHP board also maintained that one must wait for the completion of the investigation before drawing any conclusions and casting aspersions against anyone. The meeting also passed a resolution on transparency in temple management. The two-day meeting was held in Haridwar and concluded Friday. A statement was issued by Swami Jitendranand Saraswati and VHP president Alok Kumar.
The Ramalaya Trust was established in 1995 under the direction of then Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao.
The Uttar Pradesh government has constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the allegations of embezzlement of donation funds. The SIT has already begun a probe into the alleged irregularities.
“It would be inappropriate to cast aspersions on everyone at this stage. It is also necessary to distinguish between those who acted dishonestly and those whose fault lay merely in negligence. It is essential to ensure that all systems regarding the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir are made completely flawless. Recommendations regarding this have also been sought from the SIT. There should be no further delay in this task,” a statement from the VHP, a major affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) said.
The statement added that serious allegations are being raised concerning the funds offered at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and maintained that the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is accountable for every single paisa belonging to Ram Lalla.
“Therefore, as soon as the matter came to light, the trust itself requested the chief minister to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT). A high-level SIT has been formed. Champat Rai ji has presented himself before the SIT for questioning and will extend full cooperation in the investigation. Whoever is found guilty—regardless of who they are—must be punished,” it added.
A number of VHP functionaries have also come out openly in support of Champat Rai who is the vice-president of the VHP and the general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
VHP’s national spokesperson Vijay Shankar Tiwari, while extending his support to Rai, said: “Champat Rai Ji dedicated his entire life to the Ram Mandir movement. From being a chemistry teacher to becoming the international vice-president of VHP and the general secretary of the trust, he witnessed construction of the grand Ram Lalla temple. No false allegations can tarnish his character. His life itself is proof of devotion to Ram!” he posted on X.
He further said that Rai has always stood firm—whether on the ground or opposing demons or in the courtroom—against the accusations levelled at him personally; he is not one to be shaken. “The lifespan of a lie is very short. Truth alone triumphs.”
According to sources, senior functionaries within the VHP are upset over how the entire issue has been handled and the manner in which allegations have been ‘floated’ against Rai. “There are many who are not happy with the manner in which the trust has been operating and to bring a bad name to it they have been indulging in such rumours. It is a serious matter and should be examined carefully. Dragging such senior functionaries who have worked throughout their lives for Ram Lalla is not acceptable,” said a senior VHP functionary.
The VHP further emphasised that there is a need to expand the scope of the SIT investigation. “The accounts of other trusts that collected money or gold in the name of the Ram Mandir—including the Ramalaya Trust and the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir Punarnirman Trust—should also be investigated,” it added.
The VHP also urged everyone to remain vigilant against what it termed “malicious attempts to drag Ayodhya into the 2027 Assembly elections”.
“The Congress and Samajwadi parties have consistently opposed the Ram Mandir. They are also responsible for the repression and killing of Kar Sevaks. They even submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court claiming that Ram was not real but merely a mythical figure. Today, the very same people are demanding the formation of an all-party committee to conduct the investigation,” it added.
“This is a ludicrous demand. Can the investigation of a criminal case be entrusted to representatives of political parties? Do they possess any experience in such investigations? Does the law permit members of political parties to conduct criminal investigations? Moreover, these individuals seem to have declared the verdict even before the investigation has begun. Hindu society will never accept the politicisation of this issue,” it added.
Swami Jitendranand Saraswati, General Secretary of the Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti, said, “First of all, I do not think it is appropriate to use the word ‘scam’. The issue concerns certain irregularities and lapses related to the accounting of donations and offerings. The donations were given by people for the construction of the temple, and the matter pertains to the handling of those funds.”
“Some discrepancies appear to have arisen due to negligence in maintaining accounts, and an SIT is currently investigating the matter. Until the SIT completes its investigation, we should remain patient and wait for the final findings. At the same time, no one found guilty should be spared, regardless of how influential or powerful they may be. No individual should be exempt from accountability. This is the view held by all of us saints,” he added.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
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