BJP alleges Akhilesh Yadav had phone contact with Ram Temple theft accused
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Ajay Alok on Saturday, 4 July alleged that Ramashankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav, one of the accused in the Ram Temple embezzlement case, had held multiple phone conversations with Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav. Alok warned that further revelations in the case were yet to surface, and that the full truth about those behind the alleged thefts would emerge in time.
BJP's Allegations Against the Samajwadi Party
Alok claimed that the SP's conduct was being gradually exposed. 'The actions of the Samajwadi Party are gradually being exposed. It is also being reported that Tinnu Yadav had several phone conversations with Akhilesh Yadav. As more layers are uncovered, the country will come to know the truth about who was behind all these thefts,' he said. He added that the SP had not been able to withstand the displeasure of saints and seers in the past, and would not be able to do so in the future either. The BJP has not provided documentary evidence for the alleged phone contact, and the SP has not yet issued a formal response to the claims.
The Ram Temple Embezzlement Case
The controversy centres on alleged financial irregularities in donations collected for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Tinnu Yadav is among those accused in connection with the case. The BJP's allegations linking him to the SP leadership represent a significant political escalation, coming as the opposition has itself begun scrutinising the temple's finances. This is not the first time the Ram Temple project has attracted political crossfire — the construction and its funding have been contested ground since the temple's consecration.
BJP Targets Congress Leader Digvijaya Singh
The BJP spokesperson also launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, calling him the 'biggest atheist and opposer of Lord Ram.' The remarks came after Singh, while participating in a Sadbuddhi Yajna on Friday, 3 July, announced his intention to file a lawsuit over alleged irregularities in the use of Ram Temple donation funds. Singh further stated that if a court found financial misconduct, he would seek the return of his own contribution and redirect it to another recognised religious institution or a Shankaracharya's trust.
Alok's Counter on Digvijaya Singh's Donation Claim
Responding directly to Singh's announcement, Alok said Singh 'should be ashamed' for seeking a refund of his donation to the Ram Temple. He challenged Singh to produce the receipt of his donation and have it published in a newspaper, asserting that the Ram Mandir Trust would then return the amount with interest — because, in his words, 'the donations made by such atheists should not reach the feet of Lord Ram.' Singh, for his part, rejected the charge of being anti-religion, stating that he had always followed the Sanatan tradition, regularly observed religious rituals, and had undertaken the Narmada Parikrama.
What Comes Next
The BJP's claims regarding Tinnu Yadav's alleged contact with Akhilesh Yadav are likely to intensify political pressure on the SP ahead of any further legal proceedings in the embezzlement case. Alok indicated more disclosures were forthcoming. Whether the allegations translate into formal legal action or remain in the political domain will be closely watched in the days ahead.