Ram Temple Theft: Congress Demand resignations of PM Modi, UP CM Yogi

Bengaluru: The Congress on Monday staged a demonstration demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in connection with the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

The protestors demanded a comprehensive investigation into the alleged irregularities.

Holding placards, banners and posters and putting up the masks of Modi and Adityanath, the agitators raised slogans against them near the Congress Bhavan on Race Course Road in the city.

Leading the protest, Congress state general secretary CS Manohar demanded that Modi and Yogi must resign, take moral responsibility.

Later in a statement, the party said, "We demand a comprehensive investigation into the alleged misuse of Ayodhya Shri Ram Mandir donation funds and call for the resignation of PM Modi and Uttar Pradesh CM Adityanath on grounds of political and moral responsibility."

It added that the alleged misuse of donation funds, gold, and silver belonging to the temple has deeply hurt the sentiments of millions of devotees across the country. The incident has raised serious concerns regarding the transparency, accountability, and security of donations offered by devotees in the name of Lord Shri Ram.

The Congress sought to know who was responsible for the administrative failures that allegedly led to the misuse of donations offered by devotees of Lord Shri Ram. If there were lapses in safeguarding the temple's donation funds, what action has the government and the concerned authorities taken to address them, the party asked.

It further demanded strict legal action without any political or organisational influence against those involved in the crime.

"We call upon the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, to provide a clear explanation to the people regarding this matter. We further urge them to accept political and moral responsibility and take appropriate action," the Congress said.

It also demanded investigation in a transparent manner under the supervision of the Supreme Court of India.

The people of this country will never forgive any act that betrays the faith of devotees in the name of Lord Shri Ram. Only firm action against corruption and the misuse of public donations can uphold justice and restore public confidence, it said.

On June 13, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted an SIT on a request from the temple Trust following allegations of misappropriation of donations received at the Ram temple.

Based on the SIT's report, eight people were arrested in connection with the alleged embezzlement. They were associated with counting cash and valuables received as donations at the Ram Temple.

On Monday, a local court in Ayodhya remanded all eight accused to 14 days' judicial custody.