Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday, 4 August stated that the preliminary findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Ayodhya temple donation theft case have not implicated any saint. Addressing reporters in Lucknow, he also launched a pointed attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Indian National Congress, alleging that their conduct in Parliament and their remarks about saints amounted to a direct insult to Sanatan Dharma and India's cultural traditions.

SIT Findings So Far

Chief Minister Yogi said that more than 1,100 employees are engaged across various functions at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple complex. Based on evidence gathered to date, only eight individuals have been found to be directly or indirectly connected to the matter.

'In this matter, no saint's involvement has been found anywhere in the preliminary investigation or the preliminary report of the SIT. Based on the available evidence, only eight individuals have been found to be directly or indirectly connected to the matter,' he said.

He clarified that the case concerns temple offerings and is being pursued through the proper legal process. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust — a religious trust constituted pursuant to directions of the Supreme Court — had formally requested the state government to form the SIT. Yogi noted that the state could not intervene without either such a request from the trust or directions from the apex court.

SIT Constitution and Composition

The Uttar Pradesh government constituted the SIT on 13 June following the trust's request. According to Yogi, the SIT is headed by a senior officer and includes an Inspector General-rank officer and a Special Secretary-level officer with expertise in financial matters — a composition designed to handle both investigative and forensic accounting dimensions of the case.

Attack on Opposition Over Parliamentary Conduct

Yogi sharply criticised the SP and Congress over their behaviour in Parliament, alleging that objections raised against saints constituted a direct assault on Sanatan values. He alleged that both parties had historically opposed the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.

'Those raising objections today are the same people who have always insulted Ram Janmabhoomi and Lord Shri Ram. The country and Ram devotees across the world have not forgotten the incidents of 1990 in Ayodhya, when devotees were fired upon,' he said.

He also recalled that Opposition parties did not attend the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony of Ram Lalla at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in January 2024, despite being invited, calling their current posturing on faith 'astonishing'.

Assembly Disruptions and Rule 59

Yogi further criticised the Opposition's conduct in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, describing it as undemocratic. He said the Speaker had repeatedly expressed willingness to allow a structured discussion under established rules, but Opposition members instead disrupted proceedings, displayed placards, and showed disrespect towards the Chair.

He cited Rule 59 of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly's procedures, which prohibits discussion on matters that are sub judice or pending before a court or commission, though he noted the Speaker retains discretion to permit debate in special circumstances if it would not hinder an ongoing investigation.

'The conduct of the Samajwadi Party and the Opposition witnessed in the Assembly today was not only an insult to the House but was also undemocratic and shameful,' Yogi said.

What Comes Next

The SIT probe is ongoing, and no final report has been submitted. With the matter before investigators and the trust's oversight in place, the next significant development is expected when the SIT presents its full findings. The political battle over the Ayodhya case is likely to intensify as Parliament's session continues.