Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday launched a pointed offensive in the Rajya Sabha, demanding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally account for allegations of mismanagement and theft involving offerings, cash donations, and land transactions linked to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Kharge called for a full Parliamentary debate on what he termed 'a matter of faith for millions of devotees.'

Key Allegations Raised in the Upper House

Addressing the Upper House, Kharge underscored that the Trust was constituted by the Centre — its formation announced by the Prime Minister himself in Parliament — and that more than 70 acres of land had been transferred to it. He further noted that Modi had personally attended both the 'bhoomi pujan' and the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremonies at the Ayodhya Ram Temple, making his accountability, in Kharge's view, inescapable.

'Under these circumstances, the Prime Minister cannot evade accountability,' Kharge declared from the floor. He questioned why central investigative agencies — the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the Income Tax Department — had not acted on the charges. Those responsible for 'plunder in the name of Lord Shri Ram,' he said, should apologise to the nation.

Opposition's Formal Request for Debate

Kharge's remarks drew loud protests from Treasury Bench members, forcing repeated interruptions in the proceedings. Speaking to reporters in the Parliament complex afterwards, he said the Opposition had formally written to Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, seeking discussions under the relevant rules on both the Ram Temple donation controversy and alleged police excesses against students.

Kharge argued that a structured debate would place the truth before the country, but accused the Union government of being unwilling to permit such scrutiny. 'The only way to ensure smooth functioning of Parliament is for the Prime Minister and the Home Minister to come to the House and make statements,' he said.

Kharge Targets Home Minister Amit Shah

Kharge also directed sharp criticism at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging that Shah's repeated absence from the House reflected either an unwillingness to face questions or a disregard for Parliamentary norms. The Opposition, Kharge reiterated, remained fully prepared for a debate on both counts.

What Happens Next

The demands have added fresh friction to the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. Whether the Union government will agree to a structured debate remains uncertain. The controversy touches sensitive ground — public faith in one of India's most prominent religious institutions and the broader question of democratic accountability over a Trust formed by executive order. All eyes will now be on whether the Chair grants time for a formal discussion.