Ram Temple in India embroiled in corruption scandal, causing political upheaval
Yashraj Sharma, Mohammad Sartaj Alam
The Ram Temple in Ayodhya, a symbol of Hindu nationalism, is embroiled in a corruption scandal over embezzled donations. The allegations have sparked political turmoil ahead of Uttar Pradesh elections. Devotees and opposition leaders accuse authorities of a cover-up.
New Delhi, India – The Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, a religious and political symbol of the Hindu movement, is mired in a corruption scandal over allegations of embezzling donations from millions of devotees.
Brajesh Kumar, 65, a local resident, told Al Jazeera: “We have been betrayed. The managers have looted our trust, nothing less.” He has witnessed Ayodhya transform from a peaceful town into a hotbed of Hindu majoritarianism, where in 1992 a Hindu mob destroyed the 16th-century Babri Mosque, sparking religious riots that killed nearly 2,000 people.
The Ram Temple, inaugurated in January 2024 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is managed by an independent trust called the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Its executive members include politically influential figures, some from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh – the ideological parent organization of the BJP party.
Allegations and investigation
Corruption allegations surfaced in June 2025 after Mahipal Singh, a former accounting supervisor of the trust, publicly flagged irregularities. The opposition Samajwadi Party, led by former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, has criticized the disappearance of millions of rupees in donations.
Public pressure forced the BJP-controlled Uttar Pradesh state government to set up a three-member investigative panel. Although the report's contents remain undisclosed, police have filed criminal charges and arrested at least eight people, including those responsible for counting cash and precious offerings at the temple. Many devotees have demanded the return of assets such as silver bricks, gold jewelry, and artifacts.
On June 20, the trust's long-serving general secretary, Champat Rai, along with other senior trustees, resigned. However, this move did not ease tensions. Santosh Dubey – who was once tried for the 1992 destruction of the Babri Mosque – stated: “The cunning, dishonest, and ruthless are running the Ram Temple. They have created an atmosphere of fear so that no one dares to speak up.”
Political fallout
The scandal comes ahead of the Uttar Pradesh state elections expected in early 2026. Prime Minister Modi's BJP has long used the construction of the Ram Temple as a political pillar. However, in the 2024 national elections, the party lost significant votes in the state and failed to secure a majority, forcing it to rely on allies to retain power.
Political analyst Rasheed Kidwai commented: “This scandal will have a major negative impact on the BJP, especially if many religious leaders speak out. It’s a matter of trust, and the state chief minister (Yogi Adityanath) comes from a monastic order.” Kidwai warned: “What has benefited the BJP for years could now cause serious harm.”
Opposition leader Akhilesh Yadav accused the administration of “arresting low-level cashiers while shielding those who created systemic rot.” Devotees and critics allege this is a cover-up, with many junior staff being made scapegoats.
