Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has stepped up his attack on the BJP over the alleged irregularities in donation handling at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, citing an increase in the number of suspected theft incidents from 70 to 105.
Yadav said the figure emerged during the initial investigation into the case and questioned how alleged irregularities involving religious donations could take place under official supervision.
His remarks came after the Special Investigation Team probing the case informed the Supreme Court that 105 instances of unauthorised removal or concealment of currency had been identified after examination of CCTV footage and other evidence.
Akhilesh attacks BJP over alleged donation theft
Reacting to the findings, Yadav accused the BJP and people associated with it of being linked to the alleged wrongdoing.
“It is highly condemnable that such an irreligious act of stealing religious money has taken place under government supervision,” Yadav said.
He claimed that the issue had become a major topic of discussion in Ayodhya and alleged that money donated by devotees for religious purposes was being diverted instead of being used for its intended purpose.
The allegations have not been established as criminal liability against the BJP as a political party or its leaders. The investigation into the alleged theft and irregularities is still underway.
Number of alleged incidents rises from 70 to 105
The latest figure cited by Yadav follows an earlier preliminary investigation that had identified 70 alleged theft incidents.
The SIT’s subsequent examination found 105 instances of unauthorised currency removal or concealment in the temple’s counting room, according to details placed before the Supreme Court. Investigators examined CCTV footage, witness statements and donation-related records as part of the probe.
The SIT has also identified accused persons in connection with the alleged incidents. The investigation is expected to move to the next stage with the filing of the chargesheet.
SIT chargesheet deadline approaches
The Uttar Pradesh government told the Supreme Court that the SIT would file its first chargesheet by September 25.
The Supreme Court has been monitoring developments in the investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding donations at the Ayodhya temple.
Separately, the SIT has reported that it found no discrepancies in the handling of certain valuable donations, including silver bricks and other items that had also been the subject of allegations.
Akhilesh links controversy to 2027 UP elections
Yadav also connected the controversy with the political battle ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
He said the alleged misuse of religious donations had affected public trust and claimed that devotees in Uttar Pradesh, elsewhere in India and abroad were upset over the controversy.
The SP president then intensified his political attack on the BJP, saying the next Assembly election would involve a larger battle over religion.
“Now there will be a Dharma Yudh against the BJP,” Yadav said.
BJP response awaited
Yadav’s comments were directed at the BJP over alleged wrongdoing connected with the temple donation controversy. The allegations should be viewed in the context of the ongoing investigation and the political debate surrounding the case.
The SIT’s findings and the forthcoming chargesheet are expected to provide further details about the individuals allegedly involved and the circumstances surrounding the suspected removal of donation money.
