The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has added three new members to its board as part of a major administrative restructuring of the Ram Temple management.
The newly appointed trustees are Mahesh Bhagchandka from Delhi, Madan Mohan Pandey of Ayodhya and Nirmala Yadav from Shikohabad. Their appointments were discussed and finalised during a key meeting of the Trust’s office-bearers in Ayodhya on Wednesday.
Bhagchandka is reportedly related to former Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Ashok Singhal. His inclusion on the Trust, along with Pandey and Yadav, marks a fresh change in the administrative body overseeing the Ram Janmabhoomi temple complex.
The meeting is taking place at Mani Ram Das Chhawani, the residence of Trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das. Apart from the appointment of the three trustees, discussions are also underway regarding other vacant positions within the organisation.
Ram Temple set to get first CEO
A key decision expected from the ongoing meeting is the appointment of the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ram Temple Trust.
The CEO will be tasked with managing the administrative operations of the temple and overseeing important day-to-day responsibilities connected with the Ram Temple complex.
Several names have emerged in connection with the post. Former IPS officer Rajesh Pandey and former IAS officer Dinesh Chandra are among the prominent contenders. Retired IAS officer Yogeshwar Ram Mishra has also been considered, although reports indicate that he did not attend the interview process.
Former IPS officer Paresh Saxena is another name reportedly associated with the selection process. The Trust, however, has not officially confirmed the final shortlist of candidates.
CEO selection follows internal changes
The proposed appointment comes after Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and Trust member Anil Mishra stepped down amid allegations concerning the alleged theft of donations and offerings at the temple.
The latest meeting is reportedly the third gathering of the Trust’s office-bearers since the allegations came to light.
To find the new CEO, a three-member search panel was formed on July 6. The committee consists of retired Justice Pramod Kohli, retired Lieutenant General Vishnukant Chaturvedi and Suresh Haware.
The selection process attracted significant interest, with 5,585 people applying for the position. Of these, 3,570 applicants completed and submitted their application forms.
The Trust is now expected to formally announce its CEO as the administrative restructuring of the Ram Temple moves forward.
