Opposition MPs stage protest in Parliament over Ram Temple donation theft

Opposition MPs, including Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Purnia MP Pappu Yadav, staged a street play-like protest in Parliament on Friday over alleged embezzlement of donations made to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The MPs also questioned Union Home Minister Amit Shah's absence from Parliament. Pappu Yadav arrived in saffron attire, carrying a donation box to highlight financial irregularity allegations.

Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav said the protest was symbolic, alleging that devotees were not issued receipts for donations and that CCTV footage had been deleted. The protesters demanded a parliamentary discussion. The Uttar Pradesh government reconstituted a Special Investigation Team on July 26 to probe the allegations. Meanwhile, the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust appointed IIT Bombay alumnus Jagdish Aphale as its first secretary and joint signatory for financial transactions. Opposition leaders questioned whether this would prevent future misappropriation.

Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai alleged that people associated with the RSS indulged in corruption and theft in the name of Lord Ram, and called for the Trust to be reconstituted under seers including Shankaracharyas, with Ayodhya residents included. Samajwadi Party spokesperson Ashutosh Verma demanded an explanation on why no FIR has been lodged against Champat Rai.