Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday, June 28, 2026, called for a Supreme Court-monitored independent investigation into alleged financial irregularities in donations collected for the Ayodhya Ram Temple, directly asking Prime Minister Narendra Modi to explain the matter to the nation.

Context

In his post, CM Vijayan described the reported irregularities as 'extremely serious', stating that 'those who exploited people's faith for political gains now face allegations of organised financial fraud.' He specifically named Prime Minister Modi, who presided over the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, as owing 'an explanation to the nation.'

The Chief Minister demanded that the Union Government order an investigation monitored by the Supreme Court of India and ensure 'accountability for every rupee collected from devotees.'

Policy Backdrop

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was established by the Union Government in February 2019 to oversee the construction and management of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, following the Supreme Court's landmark verdict in November 2019 that awarded the disputed site to the Hindu side. The trust was empowered to receive donations from across the country and abroad for the temple's construction.

The consecration ceremony, known as the Pran Pratishtha (consecration of the idol), was held on January 22, 2024, and was presided over by Prime Minister Modi, drawing both widespread celebration and political controversy at the time over the government's direct involvement in a religious event.

Donation drives conducted across India raised funds from millions of devotees. Any allegations of misappropriation of such funds would carry significant legal and political implications, given the scale of public participation and the trust's statutory standing.

Stakeholders and Impact

CM Vijayan, a senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) Politburo member, has been a consistent critic of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union Government's approach to the Ram Temple project, which he and his party have characterised as the conflation of religion and state power. His demand for a Supreme Court-monitored probe raises the political stakes by invoking the judiciary as the appropriate oversight body.

For millions of devotees who contributed donations in good faith, the allegations — if substantiated — represent a breach of religious and financial trust. Opposition parties are likely to amplify the demand for accountability, while the Union Government and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust face pressure to respond publicly to the reported irregularities.

What's Next

The demand from a sitting Chief Minister and senior opposition leader for a Supreme Court-monitored investigation is likely to intensify parliamentary and public scrutiny of the trust's financial disclosures. Whether the Union Government responds with a formal inquiry, a statement of denial, or refers the matter to existing regulatory bodies will shape the next phase of this controversy.

If other opposition-governed states or national opposition parties formally echo CM Vijayan's call, pressure for judicial intervention could mount — potentially compelling the Supreme Court itself to take cognisance of the matter.