The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)'s Chandigarh unit on Saturday, 27 June staged a protest outside the Municipal Corporation building in Sector 17, Chandigarh, demanding an independent investigation into the alleged theft of devotees' offerings — reportedly worth crores of rupees — at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The demonstration coincided with the arrival of Chandigarh Administrator and Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria for a Special House meeting of the civic body.

What AAP Alleged

Party leaders at the protest said the alleged theft of cash, jewellery, and other offerings placed by devotees at the feet of Lord Ram has caused widespread anguish among the faithful across the country. AAP stated that questions surrounding donations made in devotion and trust have deeply hurt the sentiments of millions of Ram devotees nationwide.

The party went further, alleging that the broader 'Ayodhya Model' — promoted extensively over the past several years — now faces serious questions over alleged irregularities in construction work, land purchases, and the management of offerings. AAP demanded a fair, independent, and time-bound probe into the entire matter rather than what it described as merely formal or cosmetic action.

Accountability Demands and Political Charges

AAP warned that if investigations were confined only to lower-level employees, it would create the perception that those higher up the chain were being shielded. The party asserted that accountability must extend to all levels, with no individual considered above the law.

Directly addressing Administrator Kataria and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), AAP asked whether even offerings made by devotees at a temple in BJP-governed Uttar Pradesh were safe — and, if not, who bore responsibility for protecting the faith of millions. The party also alleged that the BJP and local administration used police to suppress opposition voices raising concerns about the matter.

AAP's Broader Message on Ram and Faith

The party was careful to frame its protest in religious rather than purely partisan terms. AAP said Lord Ram was not the symbol of any single political party but a figure of faith, culture, and belief for crores of Indians. It maintained that in any matter touching devotees' faith, the truth must emerge and those found guilty must face consequences.

Context and What Comes Next

This comes amid a wider national conversation about the administration of the Ayodhya Ram Temple complex since its high-profile inauguration. Opposition parties, including AAP, have repeatedly raised questions about financial management and construction oversight at the site. The protest in Chandigarh adds a regional political dimension to what has so far been largely a Uttar Pradesh-centred controversy. Whether the Uttar Pradesh government or temple trust responds to demands for an independent audit will be closely watched in the coming days.