New Delhi, July 19 (HS): Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi have jointly written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an independent and comprehensive investigation into the financial affairs of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, alleging that financial irregularities have undermined the faith of millions of devotees.

In the letter, the two Congress leaders alleged that devotees from across the country had donated to the Trust with faith and devotion but now feel betrayed due to the alleged financial irregularities. They said ensuring transparency in the collection and utilisation of donations is the responsibility of the government and the concerned institutions.

Kharge and Gandhi stated that the Prime Minister had announced the constitution of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Parliament in accordance with the Supreme Court's directions, while its members were appointed by the Central Government.

They further alleged that several members of the Trust have been associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and affiliated organisations, and claimed that the Trust's former General Secretary was a close associate of the Prime Minister. They said the Prime Minister's silence despite the serious allegations was a matter of concern and called for accountability.

The Congress leaders demanded an independent and comprehensive inquiry into all financial transactions of the Trust, including the collection, management and utilisation of cash donations and offerings in the form of gold, silver and other valuables.

They also sought that the findings of the inquiry be made public so that devotees are informed about how their contributions have been utilised. They further demanded that action be taken against all those found guilty, irrespective of their position or influence.

Sharing the letter on X, Kharge reiterated the demand for an impartial probe, alleging that financial irregularities had left devotees feeling cheated.

Rahul Gandhi, in a separate post on X, alleged that donations made by crores of devotees to the Ram Temple have become the subject of public controversy over alleged misappropriation of offerings. He also questioned the Prime Minister's silence on the issue.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar