The Congress leaders urged the Prime Minister to order an independent investigation into the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust’s financial affairs.
July 19, 2026: Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an independent investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple. In their joint letter, the two leaders said lakhs of devotees who contributed their hard-earned money to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust were feeling “betrayed” and called for accountability and transparency.
Referring to the Trust’s formation, the Congress leaders said it was constituted by the Prime Minister’s government following the Supreme Court’s directions and alleged that several of its members were associated with organisations linked to the RSS and VHP. They criticised the Prime Minister’s silence on the issue and urged him to order a comprehensive investigation into the Trust’s financial affairs, including the handling of cash, gold and silver donations. They also demanded that the findings and the Trust’s accounts be made public.
The alleged donation embezzlement came to light in early June and has so far resulted in the arrest of eight people and the resignation of two senior Trust functionaries. An FIR in the case was registered on June 25 following a complaint by the Trust. Rahul Gandhi and Kharge said those found responsible should be held accountable regardless of their position or influence, adding that the credibility of both the government and the Trust depended on a transparent and timely investigation.