Ram Mandir Donation Row: VHP Defends Its V-P & Temple Trust Chief Champat Rai—‘Probe Other Trusts Too’

VHP Defends Champat Rai Amid Ram Mandir Donation Controversy

The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations of misappropriated funds linked to donations for the Ram Mandir. This investigation is already underway, as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) emphasizes the need for clarity and accountability. In a statement, the VHP asserted that it is crucial to differentiate between those who may have acted with ill intent and those who were simply negligent. Their goal is to ensure that all operational systems for the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir are impeccable moving forward, with recommendations from the SIT being sought to expedite this process.

The VHP is taking the allegations seriously, stressing that the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust must be transparent about every rupee entrusted to them. The trust has proactively requested the formation of the SIT upon the emergence of these claims. Champat Rai, who holds dual roles as VHP's vice-president and general secretary of the trust, has willingly stepped forward to assist in the investigation, with the VHP insisting that anyone found guilty should face consequences, regardless of their status.

Support for Rai is pouring in from various VHP leaders, including national spokesperson Vijay Shankar Tiwari, who defended him by stating:

“Champat Rai Ji dedicated his entire life to the Ram Mandir movement. No false allegations can tarnish his character. His life itself is proof of devotion to Ram!”

Tiwari further remarked on Rai's resilience against accusations, claiming, “The lifespan of a lie is very short. Truth alone triumphs.”

However, discontent is brewing within the VHP ranks over how the situation has unfolded, with some expressing concern about the way allegations against Rai have been publicized. A senior VHP official noted, “There are many who are not happy with the manner in which the trust has been operating, and to bring a bad name to it they have been indulging in such rumors.” The VHP is calling for an expanded investigation to include other organizations that have raised funds for the temple, such as the Ramalaya Trust and the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir Punarnirman Trust.

Additionally, the VHP cautioned against what it terms “malicious attempts” to politicize the issue as the 2027 Assembly elections approach. The organization criticized the Congress and Samajwadi parties for their historical opposition to the Ram Mandir and mocked their call for an all-party committee to oversee the investigation. They stated,

“Can the investigation of a criminal case be entrusted to representatives of political parties? Hindu society will never accept the politicization of this issue.”

Swami Jitendranand Saraswati, General Secretary of the Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti, weighed in on the controversy, arguing that referring to the matter as a “scam” is inappropriate. He pointed out that irregularities in donation accounting do not equate to a scam but rather reflect lapses in management. He urged patience as the SIT conducts its inquiry, emphasizing that accountability must be upheld for anyone found guilty, regardless of their influence.