The Samajwadi Party (SP) on Tuesday, 18 August sharply criticised the Special Investigation Team (SIT) for clearing Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust former General Secretary Champat Rai and former member Anil Mishra in the alleged theft of donations at Ayodhya's Ram Temple. The party accused the ruling establishment of shielding influential figures while ordinary devotees' religious sentiments were being trampled.

SP's Reaction to the Clean Chit

Faizabad MP Awadhesh Prasad of the Samajwadi Party said the party had consistently warned that those at the top would be protected. 'From the beginning itself, we have been repeatedly saying that the government is protecting some big fish...this is not stealing but robbery at the holy place of Lord Ram,' he said. Invoking Sanskrit verses from religious scriptures, Prasad added that no government protection could shield the accused from divine reckoning.

Prasad also termed the very constitution of the SIT as 'improper', questioning the integrity of an inquiry that has now absolved the two most prominent figures linked to the controversy.

Opposition's Demand for Parliamentary Debate

The SP MP recalled that the Opposition had sought a floor discussion on the matter during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, and had specifically requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a statement. According to Prasad, neither Prime Minister Modi nor Home Minister Amit Shah appeared in Parliament during that period to address the issue — a charge the government has not publicly responded to.

SP MLA Questions Government's Relationship With the Accused

SP MLA Brijesh Katheria noted that with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in power in Uttar Pradesh, decisions on who faces accountability ultimately rest with the ruling party. He questioned why the government appeared inclined to protect individuals accused of misappropriating donations, and asked what connection, if any, the administration had with those named in the case. 'The devotees won't tolerate such an offence taking place under the watchful eyes of the government,' he said.

Ram Mandir Religious Committee Defends Champat Rai

Not all voices were critical. Ram Mandir Religious Committee Member Rajkumar Das defended the exonerated officials, saying the saint community had long maintained their innocence. 'Champat ji is innocent. The Sant Samaj had collectively announced this earlier itself. Those who are guilty are the employees. Those people are in jail, and they are facing punishment for their actions,' Das said.

Background: Resignations and the SIT Probe

Both Champat Rai and Anil Mishra resigned from their respective positions on 27 June after allegations of financial irregularities in the handling of temple donations surfaced publicly. The SIT subsequently questioned both men as part of its investigation into donation management and collection at the temple. The agency's decision to give them a clean chit has now reignited the political controversy, with the Opposition signalling it will continue to press for accountability.