The Indian National Congress has issued its first public response after the Ram Temple Trust accepted the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra.
Speaking to reporters, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said that if a similar controversy had occurred under a Congress-led central government, the party would have publicly distanced itself from the individuals involved. He alleged that the current government had instead defended the outgoing officials.
Khera argued that the controversy extends beyond political rivalry, saying that millions of devotees who donated toward the construction of the Ram Temple deserve complete transparency regarding the trust's operations. According to him, maintaining public confidence requires clear accountability and an impartial examination of the issues raised.
The Congress leader also questioned the responsibilities of the trust's treasurer, noting that the resignations were announced by the treasurer while raising concerns about the oversight of financial decisions within the trust.
Additionally, Khera alleged that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) continues to exert influence over the trust's affairs. He referred to previously reported questions regarding land acquisitions and appointments connected with the temple project, asserting that these matters should be independently reviewed.
Congress further claimed that the temple project has been closely monitored by the Prime Minister's Office and individuals associated with the RSS, arguing that responsibility should be established wherever appropriate. The party called for an impartial investigation and urged authorities to ensure that the trust of devotees is preserved through transparency.
As of the time of publication, representatives of the Ram Temple Trust and the central government had not responded to the specific allegations summarized above. The claims made by Congress remain political allegations and should be evaluated alongside any official responses or findings from competent authorities.
