Political Motives Suspected in Temple Fund Theft Allegations, Acharya Warns

During a session at the Ayodhya district court on July 13, Jagadguru Parmahans Acharya, the senior spiritual leader of the Tapasvi Ashram, expressed his belief that the ongoing Special Investigation Team probe into the alleged diversion of offerings at the Ram Temple is being manipulated by political forces.

Acharya clarified that the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was set up under the watch of the central government as per a Supreme Court order, and any financial irregularities must undergo an impartial examination. He reinforced his trust in the SIT’s capabilities but said there is no objection if the CBI is also asked to investigate.

The saint pointed out that various political actors have historically obstructed the temple’s construction. He recalled the Samajwadi Party’s involvement in violent clashes, and noted that today Akhilesh Yadav is reviving the controversy to gain electoral advantage.

Acharya also highlighted the hypocrisy of leaders who previously avoided the temple, claiming they were repelled by the smell from cow shelters, and now use the temple’s finances as a bargaining chip. He cited the Muzaffarnagar riots, where Hindu victims received no compensation while Muslim victims were compensated—a matter that even the Supreme Court had taken note of.

He accused the Samajwadi Party of misusing taxpayer money for extravagant events such as the Saifai Mahotsav, suggesting that the party is now demanding an accounting of the temple’s funds to divert public attention.

The Acharya reminded that the Ram Temple’s construction has been driven by the collective devotion of millions, supported over the years by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Hindu Mahasabha and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

While he conceded that any confirmed financial irregularity must be thoroughly investigated, he warned that turning the issue into a political ploy could damage the reputation of the temple, the Sangh, VHP and the BJP ahead of upcoming elections.

Concluding, Acharya stated that whether the loss amounts to a single rupee or several crores, the perpetrator must face stringent legal action, as the sanctity of the Ram Temple, a focal point for millions of devotees, cannot be compromised.