Probe call records of all those employed in Ayodhya Ram temple: Akhilesh

Lucknow, Jul 9 (PTI) Upping the ante on the Ram temple donation issue, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday demanded that the call detail records of all those employed in the temple in Ayodhya be examined and claimed that 99.9 per cent of them would have links with the BJP. He stated that such a revelation would trigger a "turmoil" within the ruling BJP. Talking to reporters here, Yadav also accused the BJP of placing electoral considerations above religious values. Referring to the SIT probe into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple, he said the probe has become a matter of discussion "in every household" . "All the call detail records (CDR) of those who were working in the temple complex should be examined. The moment the CDRs are scrutinised, 99.9 per cent of them will turn out to be BJP people. You cannot imagine the 'bhagdad' (turmoil) that will break out within the BJP then. The exodus has already begun and many people have already started contacting us," Yadav claimed. Raising a question mark on the SIT, Yadav said, "What SIT is this? It is merely an attempt to cover up the matter. Who constituted this SIT? We are also hearing that questions have been raised about the SIT itself. One of its members is facing a cheating case. Tell me, will such a person continue to be part of the SIT?" "This is a much bigger fight than you think. You are not able to understand it. It is a fight between Delhi and Lucknow. If the people in Delhi (Centre) wanted a proper investigation, agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Income Tax Department would have conducted the probe," he said. The three-member SIT comprising Vijay Vishwas Pant, IAS, Divisional Commissioner, Lucknow; Kiran S, IPS, Inspector General of Police; and Neel Ratan, Special Secretary, Finance Department, was constituted on June 13 to probe the donation theft allegations. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also alleged that the BJP changes its ideology according to electoral convenience. "The BJP changes its ideas for votes. For them, money is more important than religion. We have seen what has happened (in Ayodhya). Those who entrusted responsibility are nowhere to be seen, while those who were given responsibility are facing questions. Where are those who have given responsibilities (in Ram temple)," he said. Yadav said devotees of Sanatan Dharma across the world were concerned. "The entire Sanatan community is worried. Lord Ram is revered as 'Maryada Purushottam', but the BJP has twisted and distorted those ideals for its own political interests," he alleged. Yadav claimed wrongdoing in the handling of donations and offerings made by devotees. "Today, every household is discussing the SIT. There are allegations regarding donations and offerings. In Sanatan Dharma, there is no greater sin than stealing offerings made by devotees. They have committed a grave sin. Followers of Sanatan Dharma are deeply emotional about matters of faith," he said. On BJP MP Nishikant Dubey's allegations against him, Yadav questioned why no FIR had been registered against the ruling party despite the allegations being raised. Dubey in a post had claimed that Yadav had links with donation theft accused Ramshankar alias Tinnu Yadav. "FIRs are being registered on opposition while FIRs by opposition are not being registered. This is not about one individual. It is heard that they (BJP) are stepping back. They say we have made 980 calls...just think," he added. The SIT has arrested eight accused in connection with the alleged embezzlement of cash offerings. Amid mounting scrutiny, the Trust on Monday accepted the resignations of its general secretary Champat Rai and member Anil Mishra. It appointed Krishna Mohan as interim general secretary at a Trust meeting. PTI ABN DV DV