Bharatiya Janata Party president Nitin Nabin has accused Opposition parties of seeking political mileage from the Ayodhya Ram Temple donation theft row, turning a police investigation into a wider confrontation over faith, governance and accountability.
Addressing a party event in Lucknow on Sunday, Nabin said no one would be allowed to hurt the sentiments of devotees and asserted that action would be taken against those found responsible. He targeted Opposition leaders who have questioned the handling of temple donations, saying “those who once questioned the existence of Lord Ram are today talking about aastha”. His remarks came as the alleged embezzlement of offerings at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple continued to draw sharp political attacks and fresh demands for a transparent probe.
The controversy centres on allegations that cash donated by devotees was siphoned off from the temple’s counting system in Ayodhya. Police have arrested eight people so far and recovered about ₹80 lakh in cash. Investigators are examining whether lapses in surveillance, internal controls and supervision allowed workers linked to the counting process to remove money over a period of time.
Forensic examination of recovered CCTV footage has strengthened suspicion that cash was taken during the counting of offerings. Footage is said to show some accused hiding bundles of currency in clothes and socks. Investigators are also examining claims that the accused exploited CCTV blind spots, hid money in washrooms and moved cash out of the premises without timely detection. Police have questioned accused persons in custody and are checking whether others helped them or ignored warnings.
The row has placed the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust under pressure. The trust manages the temple, which was consecrated in January 2024 after decades of legal and political dispute. The shrine has since drawn millions of devotees, with offerings rising sharply during major pilgrimage periods, including the Maha Kumbh season. The scale of footfall and donations has turned the temple’s financial management into a matter of public scrutiny.
Opposition parties have used the case to attack the BJP and organisations associated with the temple movement. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that gold, silver and donations made in the name of the temple had been looted, while Congress leaders demanded an inquiry monitored by the Supreme Court. The party has also questioned the silence of top leaders and accused the ruling side of shielding those responsible.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has sought accountability from the temple administration and the BJP, arguing that the issue concerns the faith and money of ordinary devotees. Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray said it was unfortunate that those accused of looting Hindus were linked to the power structure. Opposition leaders have framed the controversy as a breach of trust rather than merely a theft case.
Nabin sought to turn the attack back on the Opposition, arguing that parties now speaking about the temple had previously opposed or mocked the Ram Janmabhoomi cause. He accused them of insulting Hindu faith and attempting to exploit a sensitive issue after failing to weaken the BJP politically. He said the government would act firmly and introduce reforms where needed, but would not allow the matter to be used to demean devotees or the temple.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has also called the alleged theft unfortunate and sought strict action against those involved. Its response has added weight to demands within the broader Sangh Parivar for visible accountability, particularly because the case involves donations made by devotees from across the country and abroad.
Police findings have raised questions about how the counting system was monitored. Two donation counting centres had been operating due to the increase in offerings. Investigators are probing whether control-room monitoring was weak, whether deleted footage was deliberately erased, and whether employees with modest salaries had acquired assets disproportionate to their income. Reports of some accused building houses and purchasing vehicles have prompted scrutiny of bank transactions and property records.
