Action will be taken in Ram temple donation theft case: UP BJP chief

Mirzapur (UP), Jul 9 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh BJP president Pankaj Chaudhary on Thursday described the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya as a "very unfortunate" incident, and said strict action would be taken against all those found involved. Talking to reporters during his one-day visit to Mirzapur, Chaudhary said both state and central governments are ensuring that the matter is investigated thoroughly. "We consider this a very unfortunate incident and are deeply saddened by it. Whoever is found involved will face strict action," he said. Taking a swipe at Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav over their criticism, Chaudhary said, "What Rahul Gandhi or Akhilesh Yadav say is their concern. Those who never cared for Lord Ram and those under whose rule Ram devotees were fired upon are now talking about Lord Ram. The people of the country understand them well." Responding to questions over the Opposition raising doubts about the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe, the BJP leader said the Opposition has a habit of questioning constitutional institutions. "They even question the Election Commission and courts. The SIT investigation is underway and nobody involved will be spared," he said. Earlier in the day, Chaudhary offered prayers at the Vindhyavasini temple in Vindhyachal before proceeding to the BJP office for a press conference. Asked whether the BJP, which had taken credit for the construction of the Ram temple, should also accept the responsibility for the alleged embezzlement of donations at the temple, Chaudhary said a trust had been constituted after the temple's construction and it was responsible for overseeing its affairs. "The trust functions independently and has no connection with the government. Whoever is found guilty in this case will get the strictest punishment," he said. On whether the donation theft could affect the BJP's prospects in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Chaudhary said the party is pained by the incident but expressed confidence that the BJP would return to power. "We will go to the people on the basis of the work done by the Centre and the state government, and we will form the government in Uttar Pradesh for the third consecutive time," he said. PTI COR ABN MNK MNK