Ram Mandir Trust treasurer attacks political opportunism over donation theft row
Synopsis
The treasurer of the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust has gone on the offensive, accusing political opponents of faking Ram bhakti to exploit the donation theft scandal — even as the Trust grapples with the resignations of its General Secretary and a trustee, an SIT investigation, and questions over the management of ₹3,200 crore in devotee offerings.
Key Takeaways
Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj , treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust , on 6 July accused political figures of exploiting the Ram Mandir donation theft row for electoral gain.
He alleged that leaders who once ordered firing on Kar Sevaks are now projecting themselves as Ram devotees.
Former General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra have resigned amid the embezzlement controversy.
Retired IFS officer Krishna Mohan has been appointed interim General Secretary to restore administrative credibility.
The Uttar Pradesh SIT investigation into the theft has resulted in multiple arrests.
The Trust has received over ₹3,200 crore in donations, most of which has been used for temple construction.
Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, on 6 July sharply condemned political figures he accused of exploiting the controversy surrounding the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The senior Trust official said he saw cynical opportunism in the sudden display of religious devotion by leaders he claimed had historically shown no affinity for Lord Ram.
The Political Attack
Swami Govind Dev Giri made a pointed, if veiled, reference to leaders he alleged had once authorised firing on Kar Sevaks — devotees who participated in the Ram temple movement — and were now projecting themselves as Ram bhakts. 'These people never took the name of Lord Ram, never had faith in Ram, and their generations were never associated with Ram bhakti. Yet now they are showing bhakti only to gain political advantage from the Ayodhya controversy,' he said.
He further alleged that such individuals had conspired to create an atmosphere against Hindutva and had 'emerged from hibernation to engineer anarchy in the country.' He also pointed to their attendance at iftar gatherings as evidence of a disconnect from Ram bhakti traditions — remarks that drew immediate attention given the charged political climate around the temple.
The Donation Theft Controversy
The Trust is under intense scrutiny following reported embezzlement of devotees' offerings at the Ram Mandir. The scandal has already claimed senior scalps: former General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra have resigned. To restore administrative credibility, the Trust has appointed retired IFS officer Krishna Mohan as interim General Secretary.
The Uttar Pradesh Special Investigation Team (SIT) is actively investigating the theft case, and multiple arrests have already been made. The Trust has maintained that it received over ₹3,200 crore in donations, the bulk of which has been directed toward temple construction, while strongly condemning any internal lapses.
Trust's Stance on Transparency
Swami Govind Dev Giri stressed that the Trust remains committed to transparency and the proper utilisation of funds for the temple's development. He reiterated that the sacred offerings of millions of devotees must be safeguarded from any misuse — a statement that comes as the Trust seeks to reassure a concerned public even as the SIT probe continues.
What Happens Next
With the SIT investigation ongoing and the Trust under fresh administrative leadership, all eyes will be on whether accountability measures introduced in the wake of the scandal are sufficient to restore public confidence in the management of one of India's most high-profile religious institutions. Political sparring over the issue is expected to intensify as the controversy remains unresolved.
Point of View
Not reform. Whether the Trust can separate the temple's spiritual credibility from the political battles being fought in its name is the central question — and the treasurer's remarks suggest it is not yet trying to.
NationPress
6 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ram Mandir donation theft controversy?
The controversy centres on the alleged embezzlement of devotees' offerings at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The Uttar Pradesh SIT is investigating the case, multiple arrests have been made, and senior Trust functionaries including former General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra have resigned.
What did Ram Mandir Trust treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri say?
He accused political figures of displaying sudden Ram bhakti purely for electoral gain, alleging they had historically shown no faith in Lord Ram and had even authorised firing on Kar Sevaks. He said he suspected a conspiracy to create an atmosphere against Hindutva using the Ayodhya controversy.
Who has resigned from the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust amid the row?
Former General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra have both resigned. Retired IFS officer Krishna Mohan has been appointed as interim General Secretary to stabilise the Trust's administration.
How much has the Ram Mandir Trust received in donations?
According to the Trust, it has received over ₹3,200 crore in donations, the majority of which has been used for temple construction in Ayodhya.
What is the current status of the SIT investigation?
The Uttar Pradesh Special Investigation Team is actively probing the donation theft case. Multiple arrests have already been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
