Gift theft in Ayodhya and land grabbing in Mahakal, this is the new model of Modi: Congress
Congress party briefing by Pawan Khera, President, Media and Publicity, AICC, at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi on June 24, 2026. | Photo credit: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar
The Congress on Wednesday (June 24, 2026) linked the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya to the land acquisition controversy involving Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav in Ujjain, near the Mahakal temple.
The party accused the BJP of playing with people’s faith for financial and political gain.
Addressing a joint press conference with Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari, Congress media and publicity chief Pawan Khera said the development not only shows corruption but also betrayal of people’s faith.
“Ujjain and Ayodhya are international issues. People’s faith is linked to these cities. People are thrifty to save and go on pilgrimages. Looting money, committing theft is like stabbing people’s faith,” Mr Khera said, referring to allegations that people in Ramodhyir manage huge donations.
“Stealing donations in Ayodhya and grabbing land in Mahakal, that’s the new Modi model,” Mr Patwari said, questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “silence” on both issues.
The remarks come amid a political controversy sparked by reports that Mr Yadav’s family members and real estate firms linked to them have acquired large tracts of land in and around Ujjain after he assumed office in December 2023.
An investigation released this week said the family and associated entities purchased at least 137 plots of land covering about 168 acres, much of which will benefit from proposed road projects and land-use changes associated with the expansion of Ujjain ahead of the 2028 Simhastha Maha Kumbh.
Mr. Khera said former Congress leader Ashok Chavan, now a BJP member, had to resign as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra over allegations that his mother-in-law owned a flat in Adarsh Housing Society in Mumbai.
“No action is expected from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this issue. He will feast on ‘melody’ abroad and ‘jhal muri’ at home; his chief minister will swallow land and donated gold and silver,” the Congress chief said.
Published – 24 June 2026 11:00 PM IST