Now Reading: Nripendra Misra denies rift with Champat Rai over Ram temple
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Nripendra Misra denies rift with Champat Rai over Ram temple
Nripendra Misra, chairman of the Ram Mandir Construction Committee, on Friday dismissed as 'fabricated' media reports of an internal rift with former trust general secretary Champat Rai over temple construction in Ayodhya.…
Nripendra Misra, chairman of the Ram Mandir Construction Committee, on Friday dismissed as 'fabricated' media reports of an internal rift with former trust general secretary Champat Rai over temple construction in Ayodhya. He said he had not seen any nine-page letter attributed to Rai alleging arbitrary decisions, and accused the media of creating a controversy. Rai resigned as general secretary about a month ago amid allegations of donation misappropriation, but Misra insisted there was no criticism from him.
The Times of India reports that most of the 70 construction projects are complete, with 60 already handed over to the trust. An internal audit will follow. Misra said waterlogging on the premises will be resolved within two months by connecting to municipal drains. Work on the auditorium, museum and trust office will take about four more months. He stressed that no central or state government funds were used, only donations collected by the trust.
National Herald India reports that the unsigned letter, dated 18 August and attributed to Rai, surfaced on social media. It details Misra's role in selecting Larsen & Toubro for construction and Noida-based Design Associate for other buildings, and alleges that Misra brought persons of his interest into the committee. The outlet notes the letter could not be independently verified and that Rai did not respond to PTI's attempts to confirm authorship.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The Times of India leads with Misra's denial and the progress update, framing the controversy as a 'made-up story' and foregrounding the temple's completion. National Herald India gives more space to the letter's contents and the lack of verification, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad functionary's comment that some details may only Rai knew. The Times of India omits those specifics. The measured take: the letter is unsigned and unconfirmed, but Misra's categorical denial does not address why such a document would circulate if wholly baseless. Watch for whether Rai clarifies or the trust releases a statement.
Coverage: 2 sources, 1 pro-government, 1 neutral
Sources (2): timesofindia.indiatimes.com (pro government), nationalheraldindia.com (neutral report)
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
