VHP backs 'devotion to Lord Ram' criterion for Ram Temple Trust CEO
Synopsis
Amid allegations of financial irregularities at the Ayodhya Ram Temple, the VHP has thrown its weight behind a search committee's insistence that the Trust's first CEO must be devoted to Lord Ram — signalling that spiritual credentials, not just managerial competence, will define the appointment at one of India's most high-profile religious institutions.
Key Takeaways
VHP Joint General Secretary Surendra Jain endorsed the 'devotion to Lord Ram' criterion for the Ram Temple Trust CEO on 10 July .
A search committee headed by Justice Pramod Kohli has been tasked with selecting a full-time CEO from across the country.
Resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Anil Mishra were accepted unanimously amid the donation embezzlement controversy.
Trustee Krishna Mohan has been asked to serve as acting General Secretary pending a permanent appointment.
VHP said the VIP pass issuance process is 'totally transparent' and conducted online with age and health verification.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Joint General Secretary Surendra Jain on Friday, 10 July endorsed the criterion laid down by the newly constituted search committee that the first Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust must possess 'devotion to Lord Ram'. The endorsement comes amid a continuing controversy over alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple.
Search Committee and Its Mandate
The Ram Temple Trust has constituted a search committee, headed by Justice Pramod Kohli, to identify a full-time, qualified CEO capable of managing the Trust's administrative functions. The committee has been directed to cast its search nationwide and is expected to finalise a candidate in the near future.
Jain stated: 'If the person who will be picked for the position of the CEO has devotion to the Lord, then the rest of the abilities can be taken care of; otherwise, it can create difficulties. We are hopeful that the committee will soon find an able CEO.'
VHP's Role and Internal Discussion
Ahead of an upcoming VHP meeting in New Delhi, Jain indicated that the alleged irregularities at the Ram Temple would likely feature in the agenda. He noted that since the Sangh had played a significant role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, 'I think there will be some discussion on the matter.'
Notably, the Trust had earlier accepted the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Anil Mishra unanimously at a meeting described as having taken place in a 'cordial atmosphere'. Trustee Krishna Mohan has since been requested to serve as acting General Secretary until a regular appointment is made.
VIP Pass Process and Transparency Claims
On questions surrounding changes to the issuance of VIP passes for visits to the Ram Temple, Jain asserted that the process is 'totally transparent.' He explained that pass issuance is conducted online and involves verification of a visitor's age and physical health. He underlined that the authority to issue VIP passes rests solely with officials of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
'Now, since both the officials have resigned, this change of rules is only natural and nothing else,' Jain said, referring to the departures of Champat Rai and Anil Mishra.
What Comes Next
All Trust members are reportedly satisfied with the direction of the ongoing investigation into the alleged donation irregularities. The search committee is expected to move swiftly, with the Trust's administrative structure under heightened public and institutional scrutiny. The appointment of a permanent CEO will be a key milestone in stabilising the temple's governance framework.
Point of View
With substantial donation flows now under a cloud. Setting devotion above demonstrable administrative credentials may satisfy ideological constituencies, but it does little to address the structural accountability gaps that reportedly allowed embezzlement allegations to surface in the first place. The resignations of two senior officials and the rapid reconstitution of the Trust's leadership suggest the crisis runs deeper than a routine personnel change.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Ram Temple Trust looking for a CEO?
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust constituted a search committee to find a full-time CEO following allegations of embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple. The move is part of broader efforts to strengthen the Trust's administrative arrangements.
What criterion has the search committee set for the Ram Temple CEO?
The search committee, headed by Justice Pramod Kohli, has stipulated that the candidate must have 'devotion to Lord Ram' in addition to administrative qualifications. The VHP has publicly endorsed this criterion.
Why did Champat Rai and Anil Mishra resign from the Ram Temple Trust?
General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Anil Mishra resigned amid the controversy over alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple. Their resignations were accepted unanimously at a Trust meeting described as cordial.
Who is managing the Ram Temple Trust after the resignations?
Trustee Krishna Mohan has been asked to take charge as acting General Secretary until a regular appointment is made. The search committee is simultaneously working to identify a permanent CEO.
Is the VIP pass process for the Ram Temple transparent?
VHP's Surendra Jain asserted that the VIP pass issuance process is 'totally transparent,' conducted online with verification of age and physical health. He clarified that the authority to issue passes rests solely with officials of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
