"Donation Theft Will Sink BJP-RSS": Ashok Gehlot Launches Fierce Attack Over Ram Temple Controversy
The political temperature surrounding the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has spiked following fresh allegations of irregularities in donation collections. Senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has leveled serious charges against the ruling party, asserting that the ongoing scandal regarding the misappropriation of temple offerings will ultimately lead to the downfall of both the BJP and the RSS. Addressing the media, Gehlot emphasized that the incident has deeply wounded the sentiments of millions of devotees, creating a ripple effect of anger across the nation.
"Ram Devotees Are Furious": Gehlot’s Sharp Critique
Ashok Gehlot argued that the misappropriation of funds meant for Lord Ram is a betrayal of public trust. He claimed that those who were quick to claim political credit for the temple’s construction during its inauguration are now maintaining a conspicuous silence. Gehlot stated, "Every Ram devotee is angry today. The very people who boasted about the temple's political gains have no answers for the discrepancies surfacing now." According to the veteran leader, the controversies began even before the inauguration ceremony, casting a shadow over the sanctity of the temple project.
The Rajasthan Connection: "Temple Built with Our Stones"
In a significant claim, Gehlot highlighted the role of Rajasthan in the temple's construction, stating that the structure was built using stones sourced from the state. He recalled his interactions with Champat Rai during his tenure as Chief Minister, where he intervened to stop the illegal transport of stones. "I called Champat Rai and explained that holy stones for a temple must be handled legally. We cleared the procedures, ensuring the stones were sent to Ayodhya respectfully," Gehlot explained. He expressed regret that despite facilitating the temple's foundation, the Congress leadership was sidelined and not invited to the inauguration ceremony.
"Condemnable Irregularities"
Gehlot described the alleged theft of donations as a "condemnable undertaking," suggesting that the irregularities are a reflection of a deeper systemic failure within the trust. He asserted that a project of such immense religious significance should have been managed with absolute transparency and devotion. By connecting the alleged financial misconduct to the political future of the BJP and RSS, Gehlot has signaled that the Congress party intends to make this issue a central point of their opposition, focusing on the lack of accountability and the alleged moral failings of those entrusted with the temple's management.
