Raipur, June 24: The Ram Mandir donation row has intensified after former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel launched a sharp attack on the Central government, accusing it of “looting people in the name of Lord Ram.” His remarks have sparked fresh political controversy as allegations surrounding the Ram Mandir donation row continue to dominate national headlines.

Addressing reporters in Raipur, Bhupesh Baghel compared the alleged misuse of temple donations to the historic plundering of the Somnath Temple by Mahmud of Ghazni. The Congress leader alleged that organisations associated with the Sangh Parivar were exploiting the faith of devotees through the Ram Mandir donation row.

Baghel stated that while Mahmud of Ghazni looted the Somnath Temple centuries ago, he claimed that “RSS, VHP, and Bajrang Dal are now looting the Ram Temple.” He accused the government of using religion for political and financial gains, making the Ram Mandir donation row a serious issue that deserves a transparent investigation.

Bhupesh Baghel Criticises Government Over Public Welfare

During his interaction with the media, Baghel also criticised the government’s handling of education and agriculture. According to him, schools have reopened without adequate infrastructure, including teachers, uniforms, toilets, and drinking water facilities.

He alleged that children are being deprived of quality education while the administration continues to ignore basic necessities. Linking governance failures with the Ram Mandir donation row, Baghel argued that the government has failed to address people’s real concerns.

The former Chief Minister further claimed that farmers are struggling due to rising production costs, expensive fertilisers, fake fertiliser supplies, erratic weather, and increasing fuel prices. He said agriculture has become increasingly difficult, adding that the government has neglected farmers while controversies like the Ram Mandir donation row continue to unfold.

Akhilesh Yadav Raises Fresh Questions

The political debate surrounding the Ram Mandir donation row intensified after Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav questioned the BJP over the alleged financial irregularities.

In a post on X, Yadav alleged that every new revelation exposes another layer of the controversy. He claimed that instead of conducting a fair investigation, there could be attempts to suppress facts if more details emerge regarding the Ram Mandir donation row.

The Samajwadi Party chief referred to media reports claiming that a group of devotees alleged their donations to the Ram Temple were missing. These reports have further fuelled political criticism and public discussion regarding the Ram Mandir donation row.

Supreme Court Petition Seeks Investigation

Adding another dimension to the controversy, a fresh petition has been filed before the Supreme Court seeking a court-monitored investigation into the alleged financial irregularities involving the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

The petition requests the registration of an FIR and the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the allegations connected to the Ram Mandir donation row.

According to the plea, the investigation should examine alleged missing donations, financial irregularities, administrative lapses, and possible illegalities in the management of trust funds.

The petitioners have also requested the Supreme Court to direct the Trust and the Uttar Pradesh government to preserve all relevant records. These include donation registers, audit reports, bank statements, CCTV footage, financial documents, digital records, and other evidence related to the receipt and utilisation of donations linked to the Ram Mandir donation row.

Political Reactions Continue

The Ram Mandir donation row has become one of the latest political flashpoints between the ruling BJP and opposition parties. Congress and Samajwadi Party leaders have demanded greater transparency regarding temple donations, while the matter has now reached the country’s highest court.

The allegations have generated significant political debate, especially as opposition parties question the management of funds collected from devotees. The BJP has yet to issue a detailed response to the latest statements made by Bhupesh Baghel regarding the Ram Mandir donation row.

Political observers believe the issue may continue to dominate public discourse in the coming weeks, particularly if the Supreme Court agrees to hear the petition seeking an independent investigation.

Legal Proceedings Await Supreme Court’s Decision

The future course of the Ram Mandir donation row now largely depends on the Supreme Court’s response to the newly filed petition. If admitted, the court could decide whether an independent probe is necessary or whether existing mechanisms are sufficient to examine the allegations.

Legal experts note that the petition’s demand for preserving financial and digital records is aimed at ensuring transparency during any future investigation.

Meanwhile, both supporters and critics of the government are closely watching developments as the Ram Mandir donation row continues to attract nationwide political attention.

The Ram Mandir donation row has evolved into a significant political and legal issue, with opposition leaders Bhupesh Baghel and Akhilesh Yadav demanding accountability over alleged financial irregularities involving temple donations. While serious allegations have been raised, the matter is now before the Supreme Court, and no findings have yet established wrongdoing.

As legal proceedings progress, the focus will remain on whether the allegations are substantiated through an independent investigation. Until then, the Ram Mandir donation row is expected to remain at the centre of India’s political debate.