The Indian National Congress has lodged a formal complaint against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) over allegations that donations collected for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya were misappropriated. The party’s leaders have demanded a Supreme Court‑monitored investigation, citing a pattern of financial irregularities that they say began during the 1990s.
The complaint, filed with the Delhi police, alleges that the BJP and RSS siphoned off funds meant for the temple and used them for political and electoral purposes. “Vote chori, seat chori, chanda chori,” Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh said in a statement released on Sunday, accusing the ruling party of “scam” and “embezzlement.” He also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for remaining silent on the matter.
An FIR was registered at the Delhi Police’s Daryaganj station on June 17, 2024, after the Congress presented evidence that the accused parties had diverted money collected from devotees and donors. The police have reportedly made eight arrests and recovered a significant amount of cash, according to a spokesperson for the investigation team. The case is now under the purview of the Supreme Court, which has agreed to oversee the probe to ensure impartiality.
The allegations trace back to the 1990s, when the BJP-led government was accused of diverting donations meant for the Ram Temple to campaign coffers. Congress members have pointed to the 1997 “Mahaparinirvan” donation drive as an early example of the alleged practice. “We have seen a consistent pattern of siphoning off temple funds for political gain,” Ramesh said.
The BJP has denied any wrongdoing. In a statement released on Sunday, the party said it had always complied with legal requirements and that the allegations were politically motivated. The RSS, which is the ideological parent organization of the BJP, has not issued a public response.
The Supreme Court’s involvement comes after a petition filed by the Congress in March 2024, asking the court to order a probe into the alleged diversion of temple donations. The court has not yet issued a ruling on the matter, but it has agreed to monitor the investigation to ensure that it is conducted without bias.
The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of political financing in India. Critics argue that the lack of transparency in how political parties collect and spend money has enabled corruption and undue influence. The Congress’s latest accusations add to a growing list of claims that the BJP and its allies have benefited from illicit funding sources.
Analysis: The allegations raise questions about the integrity of political fundraising in India, especially when tied to religious institutions. If proven, the diversion of temple donations could constitute a serious breach of trust and legal violations. The Supreme Court’s oversight may bring greater scrutiny to the investigation, potentially uncovering systemic issues in the way political parties handle donations. However, the BJP and RSS have yet to provide evidence to refute the claims, leaving the matter unresolved. The outcome of the probe will likely influence public perception of political accountability in the country.
Story synopsis gathered from: Times of India – Top Stories — source
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