Ex-IPS officer issues clarification on CEO Ram Temple’s selection remarks

Former IPS officer Rajesh Pandey, one of the 16 candidates interviewed for the post of Ram Temple CEO, issued a clarification on Tuesday (15 September 2026) after his remarks in a podcast sparked controversy over the selection process. The Temple Trust was forced to issue a detailed explanation amid calls for a review of the entire process and concerns about patronage raised by other senior officials and pension claimants.

“I never claimed to be in the top three. Later in this podcast I clarified that I did not get this information from any official source but rather through social media and newspapers. There were also rumors that I claimed that the CEO of Ram Temple, former Air Marshal Mr. Jitendra Mishra, never came for an interview. This is also completely false and misleading.” Mr. Pandey wrote on X.

Former IPS officer and social activist Amitabh Thakur, a contender for the post of CEO of Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, has raised fresh questions about the selection process. In the letter to the Trust, he referred to an alleged statement by Mr Pandey in a podcast in which he allegedly said he believed his own selection was almost certain, but that the decision had subsequently been changed. “If this statement is found to be correct, it raises serious questions not only about the final appointment but about the selection process itself. In particular, the Trust must explain how and on what basis Mishra’s name was included in the final three if he did not participate in the prescribed final stage and on the basis of which records he was ultimately selected,” Mr. Thakur wrote.

Mr. Thakur, a 1992 batch IPS officer, demanded a clear and satisfactory explanation from the Trust and appropriate corrective action if any deviation from the prescribed process is found. “If there is no satisfactory response and necessary action, I will pursue all available legal remedies, including challenging the selection process and appointment before the appropriate judicial/statutory forum,” he said.

Misleading, says the Trust

Amidst the uproar, the Trust said in a statement, “Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra wishes to formally clarify the facts regarding the selection of the CEO to counter the recent misinformation circulating in certain media channels. The search committee constituted on July 6, 2026 oversaw a transparent technology-based selection process which was conducted in all 585 cities (three applications received and 5 NCR, Pune, Sambalpur) using both artificial intelligence and manual expertise 16 candidates were shortlisted as finalists and participated in face-to-face interactions at Ayodhya on 11-12 August 2026. Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra (Retd.) participated in the interview process on 11 August and on 20 August 2020 the committee submitted its final report 2026.

“The three recommended candidates were: Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra (retd), Shri Sanjay Pratapsinh Vishwas Rao and Ms. Shruti Bharadwaj. These names were formally announced in the media confirming the completion of the evaluation process and the selection of the CEO,” the statement said, adding that the selection process was conducted in accordance with the highest standards of governance and in accordance with the highest level governance document. the identity of all finalists recorded in Ayodhya.”

Published – 15 Sep 2026 22:33 IST