Rahul Gandhi, Kharge write to PM Modi over alleged donation embezzlement row; look for an independent probe | Today’s news

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to order an inquiry into the alleged misappropriation of donations given to the Ayodhya Ram temple. They said thousands of devotees who contributed their hard-earned money in good faith now feel “betrayed by the theft”.

Both Gandhi and Kharge said Prime Minister Modi’s silence on the matter was unacceptable and called on him to ensure accountability and restitution.

Rahul Gandhi, Kharge write to PM Modi

In a letter, opposition leaders in both houses of Parliament wrote, “You are aware of the theft of thousands of crores in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Lakhs of devotees who donated their hard-earned money with faith, devotion and trust feel betrayed by the theft.”

The leaders further said, “You announced the creation of the Trust in Parliament on the instructions of the Supreme Court of India, but its members were appointed solely by your government. It is public knowledge that the members of the Trust are associated with the RSS, VHP and their affiliates. Its former general secretary was also your close associate.”

The letter shared by Kharge on his social media account on Sunday added, “Our joint letter to PM Modi demanding an independent and comprehensive inquiry into the financial affairs of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Lakhs of devotees who donated their hard-earned money with faith, devotion and trust feel betrayed by the theft.”

In their letter to the Prime Minister, Gandhi and Kharge recalled that though he had announced the creation of the Trust in Parliament in accordance with Supreme Court directions, all its members were appointed by his government.

The leaders also pointed out that it is public knowledge that members of the Trust are associated with the RSS, VHP and their affiliates, adding that the former general secretary of the Trust was a close associate of the Trust.

Addressing Prime Minister Modi, they said his silence in the face of such a crime was unacceptable. They also asked him to ensure accountability and restitution by immediately ordering an independent and comprehensive investigation into the Trust’s financial affairs, including the handling of all offerings, including cash, gold and silver.

Both also demanded that the findings and accounts of the Trust be made public so that every devotee is aware of how their offerings have been used.