Ram Temple donation row: Congress, Shiv Sena-UBT slam RSS over 'delayed' response
Synopsis
The RSS broke its silence on the Ram Temple donation row — but for the Congress and Shiv Sena-UBT, the response came far too late. With an SIT probe underway, smaller accused arrested, and the Faizabad Bar Association refusing to defend the accused, the controversy is fast becoming a political flashpoint that implicates both the BJP and the Sangh.
Key Takeaways
RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale on 3 July called for strict punishment for those found guilty in the Ram Temple donation misappropriation case.
Congress leader Nana Patole questioned how alleged thefts continued despite CCTV cameras at the temple.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi alleged that 'the main accused have been let off' while smaller operatives were arrested by the SIT .
The Faizabad Bar Association has refused to provide legal representation to the accused in the case.
Hindu seer Satyendra Das Vedanti backed Hosabale's demand, calling it 'legitimate.'
The Indian National Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) on Friday, 3 July accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of responding too late to the alleged misappropriation of donations and offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, questioning why the organisation remained silent while the alleged thefts were reportedly ongoing. The criticism followed remarks by RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, who called for strict punishment for those found guilty and urged the Hindu community to exercise restraint.
What Hosabale Said
Dattatreya Hosabale cautioned the Hindu community against being misled by what he described as anti-national forces attempting to use the Ram Temple donation controversy to defame religion and society. He stated: 'It is essential to ensure that those found guilty in the investigation face severe punishment.' A Hindu seer, Satyendra Das Vedanti, described Hosabale's demand as 'legitimate', noting that the RSS had been central to the Ram Janmbhoomi movement and that the incident had 'tarnished the image of the Ram Temple.'
Opposition Fires Back
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi said the RSS had 'finally realised' that a grave wrongdoing had taken place — one allegedly committed by those who, she argued, had built their entire politics around the Ram Temple. 'It is only now that they have come forward with this statement,' she said. She further alleged that while a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is currently probing the case and has arrested smaller operatives, 'the main accused have been let off.'
Chaturvedi also referenced the Faizabad Bar Association's decision to not represent the accused, saying the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had sought political mileage from the temple but that devotees of the Sanatan religion were now 'angry' as their faith had been hurt. 'Action should be taken against everyone involved, irrespective of a person's stature,' she added.
Congress Questions CCTV Lapse
Congress leader Nana Patole questioned how the alleged thefts could have continued for so long despite the presence of CCTV cameras at the temple. 'The thefts were being committed for such a long time, despite the presence of CCTV cameras; how were these not visible to anyone?' he said. 'Today, they are talking about taking action when the matter has become public. What was RSS doing when such thefts were taking place at the Ram Temple? Today, the BJP and the RSS have been exposed,' Patole told reporters.
Background and Investigation
The controversy centres on the alleged misappropriation of donations and offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, one of India's most prominent religious sites. An SIT has been constituted to investigate the matter, and some arrests have been made. The Faizabad Bar Association has taken the unusual step of refusing legal representation to the accused, reflecting the depth of public sentiment around the case. The opposition's broadside signals that the issue is likely to acquire a sharper political dimension in the weeks ahead.
Point of View
The Sangh has handed the opposition a credible line of attack: that institutional guardians of the temple were either absent or complicit in their silence. The CCTV question raised by Patole is particularly pointed — it is not rhetorical but a factual gap that the SIT probe must address. More troubling is the allegation that senior accused remain free while junior functionaries face arrest, a pattern that, if verified, would deepen the credibility crisis around the temple's administration.
NationPress
3 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ram Temple donation misappropriation row?
The controversy involves alleged theft and misappropriation of donations and offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. An SIT has been formed to investigate, and some arrests have been made, though opposition leaders allege the main accused have not been held.
What did RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale say about the issue?
Hosabale urged the Hindu community to exercise restraint and not be misled by what he called anti-national forces using the controversy to defame religion. He also stated that those found guilty must face severe punishment.
Why are Congress and Shiv Sena-UBT criticising the RSS?
Both parties argue the RSS responded too late, questioning why it remained silent while alleged thefts were reportedly taking place at the Ram Temple. They contend the BJP and RSS are now exposed for failing to protect the sanctity of the temple.
What action has the Faizabad Bar Association taken?
The Faizabad Bar Association has decided not to provide legal representation to the accused in the Ram Temple donation misappropriation case, an unusual step that reflects strong public sentiment around the controversy.
What is the current status of the investigation?
An SIT is actively probing the case. According to Shiv Sena-UBT leader Priyanka Chaturvedi, smaller operatives have been arrested, but she alleged that the main accused have not yet been taken into custody.
