The Indian National Congress on Tuesday, 16 June demanded a time-bound judicial inquiry into alleged financial irregularities at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, calling for the probe to be monitored by a sitting High Court judge. The opposition party alleged systematic mismanagement of donations and assets linked to the Ayodhya Ram Temple project.

Key Demands Raised at Press Conference

Speaking at a press conference at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) president Ajay Rai and UP Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Aradhana Mishra alleged that funds donated by devotees and assets tied to the temple project had been mismanaged. They called for a comprehensive audit of the trust's operations.

Rai argued that an existing Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to examine the matter was inadequate and lacked a fixed timeline. He also questioned the appointment of certain officials to the investigation team, calling them 'controversial.' He demanded the inquiry be completed within 7 to 10 days and placed under judicial supervision.

Allegations of Irregularities

Rai alleged that financial discrepancies had occurred at multiple stages — including donation collection, land transactions, and management of offerings made by devotees — and described the misuse of resources as 'systematic' and 'organised.' He called on the Union government to ensure accountability and demanded strict action against anyone found guilty following an independent probe.

Mishra alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had 'commercialised' the faith of devotees of Lord Ram. She pointed to past controversies around land acquisition and construction quality near the temple complex, alleging those questions had not been adequately investigated. She further claimed that around 1,250 Ram Shilas — consecrated stones associated with the Ram temple movement — were reportedly missing, and that no proper ledger or accounting system existed for assets and offerings received by the trust.

Political Context and Exam Leak Issue

This comes amid a broader political offensive by the Congress against both the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh state government. Mishra also raised the issue of examination paper leaks, criticising the BJP-led administrations at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh for repeated failures in conducting recruitment and entrance examinations. She noted that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had been engaging with students and youths affected by such issues and would continue to raise their concerns.

What Happens Next

The Congress has demanded a fixed timeline for the investigation and action against all those found responsible, irrespective of their position. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has not yet issued a formal public response to the allegations as of the time of this report. With the opposition pressing for judicial oversight, the matter is likely to intensify political scrutiny over the management of one of India's most high-profile religious institutions.