Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) President Alok Kumar on Wednesday, 1 July voiced firm support for the ongoing police-led Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into alleged financial irregularities connected to Ram Temple donations, dismissing calls for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry as unwarranted and politically driven. Kumar said granting the SIT an additional 15 days to conclude its investigation was entirely reasonable and should not be read as a sign of weakness in the probe.

VHP's Stand on the SIT Extension

Kumar argued that the SIT's request for more time reflects a commitment to thoroughness rather than any procedural failure. He noted that the team's mandate goes beyond identifying wrongdoing — it also includes recommending systemic safeguards to prevent similar lapses in the future.

'It's not just about investigating the crime. Suggesting remedies to ensure this does not happen in the future is also part of the work. If they have asked for time to ensure this work is done well and thoroughly, and they have only asked for 15 days, I think there is nothing inappropriate about it,' Kumar said.

Why VHP Opposes a CBI Handover

Rejecting the CBI demand, Kumar pointed out a logical inconsistency in the opposition's position: the same parties questioning the Uttar Pradesh state police for being under a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government have also, on numerous past occasions, questioned the credibility of the CBI — which operates under the BJP-led Central government.

'Police are conducting the investigation. We have heard that it is being done efficiently and thoroughly. So, we should have faith in the normal channels of investigation. Some people say the BJP government will not allow a fair probe, so it should be handed over to the CBI. But the Central government is also led by the BJP. I believe we should not distrust our agencies. The investigation is being watched by the media and the entire Hindu society. If anything goes wrong, it will be brought to notice,' Kumar said.

He further dismissed proposals for an all-party committee to oversee the matter, saying such an arrangement would effectively place a criminal investigation in the hands of politicians — an outcome he considered counterproductive.

On Personnel Changes and the Champat Rai Resignation

Asked whether Gopal Rao continues to serve as manager of the Ram Temple or has been removed, Kumar said he was unaware of whether Rao held any formal appointment to begin with. He did, however, commend the swift resignation of Champat Rai as General Secretary following the filing of the FIR, saying it demonstrated accountability.

'When it was said that Champat ji remaining as General Secretary could affect the investigation, that witnesses could be pressured or evidence tampered with, he resigned within two days of the FIR being filed. This should be appreciated,' Kumar said.

Political Context and Media Leaks

Kumar acknowledged the charged political atmosphere with the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections on the horizon, suggesting that competing parties are escalating allegations for electoral advantage rather than engaging with the substance of the case. He urged all stakeholders to allow the investigation to proceed without partisan interference.

On reports of investigation details being leaked to the media, Kumar was sceptical, questioning the authenticity of such claims. 'Someone is fabricating and reporting these leaks. It's a 24-hour news cycle; what else can they do? If there is news, they report it. If there is no news, they imagine it. How much of what is being leaked is true and how much is political, I do not know,' he said.

With the SIT probe continuing under public and media scrutiny, the coming 15 days will be closely watched for whether the investigation produces actionable findings — and whether the political noise around it subsides or intensifies ahead of 2027.