Why were allegations of corruption at Ram Mandir and other places not probed earlier? asks Sule

Nashik, Jul 11 (PTI) NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule has questioned why purported irregularities at religious places such as Ayodhya, Ujjain and the Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai were not thoroughly investigated, dubbing the alleged corruption in temples the most disgraceful. A day earlier, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde raised the issue of alleged "loot" at the famous Siddhivinayak temple under the erstwhile Uddhav Thackeray-led government. Addressing reporters in Nashik, Sule said corruption at places associated with Lord Ram and other major religious centres is unacceptable. "If corruption is taking place in temples, nothing can be more disgraceful than that. If the allegations are true, then I would say it is the dirtiest thing. Why were allegations of irregularities at religious places such as Ayodhya, Ujjain and the Siddhivinayak (temple in Mumbai) not investigated thoroughly?" she asked. The controversy erupted on June 7 after allegations about embezzlement of donations at the Ram Mandir surfaced. Based on the preliminary report submitted by an SIT constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government, eight people associated with counting cash and valuables received as donations at the Ram temple were arrested. Sule, meanwhile, also accused the BJP of selectively targeting Opposition leaders on corruption charges and later inducting many of them into the party fold. "If those leaders were corrupt, action should have been taken. If they were not, then an apology should be offered for making false allegations," she said, adding that the BJP no longer had the moral authority to speak on corruption. On superstition, Sule said Maharashtra's culture was rooted in progressive values and social reform, and asserted that superstition had no place in the state's ethos. The Baramati MP said anti-superstition activist Narendra Dabholkar had worked towards social reform and stressed that the anti-superstition law should be implemented more effectively. She expressed concern over women becoming victims of self-styled godmen and said society must adopt a scientific temper in the age of technology. Sule also said she plans to introduce a private member's bill in Parliament seeking stricter anti-defection provisions. "Under the proposed law, an elected representative should not be allowed to switch parties during a five-year term without resigning and seeking a fresh mandate," the Lok Sabha member added. She alleged that elected representatives are increasingly being treated as commodities, which is a "disturbing" trend for democracy. When asked about speculation about internal strife in the Sharad Pawar-led party, Sule said the NCP (SP) remained united and that any statements made by party leaders in different contexts had been clarified. She dismissed speculation about unrest within the party. "NCP (SP) MPs are united. They had not met senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan to express any unrest within the party. Only I had spoken to him to invite him to my daughter's wedding," Sule added. She alleged that crime and drug abuse are on the rise in Maharashtra, particularly in Pune, calling for instilling fear of the law among offenders. Targeting the Maharashtra government over welfare schemes, she alleged that around eight lakh women were excluded during KYC verification for the Ladki Bahin scheme and questioned why the process could not be completed effectively despite widespread Aadhaar and Jan Dhan coverage. On the state government's farm loan waiver scheme, Sule claimed that the waiver had not been implemented on the ground and remained confined to announcements. She said farmers were yet to receive the promised benefits. Referring to reports on people migrating out of India and concerns over investment and the economy, Sule questioned whether the government had adequately examined the underlying issues. When asked about NCP leader Parth Pawar's engagement this month, she said several weddings had taken place, and some more are in store. "Another announcement would be made soon," she added. PTI MR NSK