Ram Temple donation theft tests VHP’s demand to free temples from state control

The Ram Temple embezzlement case revolves around the alleged misappropriation of cash and valuables contributed by devotees at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. File | Photo credit: The Hindu

Alleged embezzlement of donations at Ayodhya’s Ram temple has emerged as an unexpected setback in the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) flagship campaign to free Hindu temples from government control.

Currently, states that have legislation governing the management of Hindu temples include Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha and Maharashtra.

Published – 30 Jun 2026 21:14 IST