Mahant Rajudas Calls for Equal Worship Rights at Gyan Vapi
Mahant Rajudas, the senior priest of Ayodhya’s Hanumangadhi, appealed to the government on Monday to grant a one‑day permission for a water‑ablution (jal abhishek) of the Shiva idol at the Gyan Vapi temple. The request aligns with the Nagpanchami festival, a time when devotees seek Lord Bhole Nath’s blessings. He pointed out that a beef‑eating individual is allowed to perform five daily prayers on the same ground, arguing that sadhus deserve at least one day—preferably Monday—to conduct the holy rite.
The monk also took a strong stance against the clean‑chit awarded to former trust officials Champat Rai and Anil Mishra in a case concerning alleged financial irregularities. He labelled the individuals involved as "kalnamis" and said the clean‑chit was "a harsh slap on their faces," accusing them of exploiting the Ram Mandir project to further personal interests and damage the reputation of sanatan dharm followers.
Minister O.P. Rajbhar confirmed that only Rai and Mishra received the clean‑chit while six others are currently incarcerated following FIRs. The controversy has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who claim the government is protecting the two officials and facilitating a larger scheme of corruption.