Opposition Demands Judicial Probe Into Ayodhya Temple Funds

Political tensions flared in the Maharashtra Assembly on Tuesday as opposition leaders accused the government of shielding those responsible for embezzling donations intended for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. The controversy centers on alleged financial irregularities that have now sparked calls for a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the trust's activities.

Editorial·June 30, 2026·reads: 351

Opposition Demands Judicial Probe Into Ayodhya Temple Funds

Congress leader Nana Patole spearheaded the accusations, claiming that authorities confined Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai to his residence specifically to suppress evidence of corruption. Patole criticized the formation of a Special Investigation Team as an inadequate measure, arguing that the government is operating out of panic rather than a desire for transparency. This sentiment was echoed by Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad, who formally requested the suspension of trust officials to facilitate a credible inquiry.

In response, BJP MP Dinesh Sharma dismissed these allegations as a calculated attempt to undermine public trust in the temple project. While political maneuvering continues in the legislature, the legal process in Ayodhya has moved forward. The local court recently ordered 14-day judicial custody for suspects linked to the financial scandal, signaling that the investigation is now operating under intense judicial scrutiny.