A donation theft reported at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, has triggered concern among devotees across the country. The Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which oversees the temple’s affairs, has seen two of its administrators step down in the wake of the incident.
In response, the trust has decided to adopt an administrative model similar to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, where an IAS officer serves as Chief Executive Officer. On the same lines, Ayodhya’s Ram temple is set to have a CEO-level post to oversee operations.
Applications were invited for the position, drawing around 6,000 candidates. Of these, 16 were called for interviews, after which a shortlist of three was prepared.
The final list reportedly includes an IAS officer, an IPS officer and a retired Army officer. The trust, which has 15 members, is expected to meet soon and select one of the three to serve as the temple’s Chief Executive Officer, with reports suggesting the retired Army officer has the strongest chance.
Meanwhile, although opposition parties including the Congress raised the issue in Parliament, they have largely remained quiet in Ayodhya. BSP leader Mayawati has alleged that both the BJP and the Samajwadi Party are linked to the theft, and with Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections due next year, parties are said to be avoiding debate on the matter locally.
