Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Thursday demanded an investigation into Ram Mandir Trust Treasurer Govind Giri, saying accountability must be fixed if the alleged financial irregularities in the Ayodhya Ram Temple occurred during his tenure.
Speaking to reporters, Raut said the treasurer is responsible for protecting the temple’s funds and maintaining financial records. “If the alleged theft of the Ram Mandir treasury took place during his tenure, then Ram Mandir Trust Treasurer Govind Giri must also face investigation. The treasurer bears the primary responsibility for safeguarding the temple’s funds, financial oversight, and maintaining the temple’s accounts,” Raut said.
He also questioned the financial monitoring system of the trust, saying a temple of such national importance should have stronger financial oversight.
‘Ram Raksha’ campaign to begin in Nagpur
Raut announced that the Shiv Sena (UBT) will launch its ‘Ram Raksha’ campaign in Nagpur on July 18, claiming the movement is aimed at creating public awareness over the alleged financial irregularities linked to the Ram Temple.
He said he has written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, inviting him to participate in the programme. “I have written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, inviting him to participate in the ‘Ram Raksha’ movement to be launched in Nagpur on July 18. This campaign is being organised against the alleged theft in the Ram Mandir, the alleged misappropriation of devotees’ offerings, and the alleged financial irregularities,” Raut said.
According to him, the event will be held in the presence of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and will invite devotees from across the state.
Letter urges Fadnavis to join the movement
In his letter to the Chief Minister, Raut referred to Fadnavis as a devotee of Lord Ram and recalled his association with the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
The letter alleged that serious financial misconduct involving devotees’ donations had taken place and appealed to the Chief Minister to support the campaign, which Raut described as an initiative to protect the dignity of Lord Ram and ensure transparency.
INDIA bloc should decide together on delimitation
Commenting on the proposed Delimitation Bill, Raut said no party in the INDIA alliance should take an independent stand. “Any proposal to increase the number of parliamentary seats by up to 50 per cent can only be considered after discussions with all political parties. No individual party in the INDIA alliance… will take a unilateral stand,” he said.
He added that the alliance partners would collectively decide their position once discussions are held.
Criticism of political defections
Raut also targeted leaders switching political parties, rejecting claims that such defections follow legal procedures.
He alleged that many political shifts are carried out through “illegal formalities” and maintained that MPs leaving their original parties under such circumstances could eventually lose their parliamentary membership.
The remarks come amid heightened political activity over the Ram Mandir donation controversy, the proposed delimitation exercise and continuing realignments within opposition parties.
Q1. Why has Sanjay Raut demanded an investigation?
Raut has sought a probe into Ram Mandir Trust Treasurer Govind Giri over allegations of financial irregularities involving temple funds.
Q2. What is the ‘Ram Raksha’ campaign?
It is a campaign launched by Shiv Sena (UBT), which the party says aims to raise awareness over alleged financial irregularities related to the Ram Mandir.
Q3. When will the campaign begin?
The ‘Ram Raksha’ campaign is scheduled to begin in Nagpur on July 18.
Q4. What did Raut say about the Delimitation Bill?
He said the INDIA alliance should take a collective decision and no party should announce its stand independently.
Q5. Did Raut invite Devendra Fadnavis?
Yes. Raut said he has written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, inviting him to attend the launch of the Ram Raksha campaign.
