The Ayodhya Ram temple issue, long seen as a key factor behind the BJP’s political rise, has now turned into a major embarrassment for the party following allegations of irregularities in temple donations.
According to BJP sources cited in the report, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is said to be angry over the developments and has directed that anyone involved—whether from the BJP leadership or the RSS—should face investigation.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter. The SIT has recently arrested eight people. In the wake of the case, Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra reportedly stepped down on moral grounds.
Among those arrested, the report highlights Ramshankar alias “Tinnu Yadav”, described as Champat Rai’s driver. He allegedly held keys to donation boxes and played a central role in hiring staff and assigning cash-counting work. The report further claims he owns assets worth over Rs 50 crore in Ayodhya and Lucknow, including a luxury residence and multiple high-end cars.
The FIR also names Manish Yadav, identified as Tinnu Yadav’s nephew-in-law, who was allegedly placed in the donation-counting team. RSS sources, as quoted, have alleged that Champat Rai ignored theft complaints and did not act against the accused, calling for his questioning. Political observers say the controversy has created fresh trouble for the ruling BJP government.
