New Delhi, July 7 (LAB): Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday alleged large-scale financial irregularities in the management of the Ram Temple Trust and demanded its immediate dissolution along with a probe monitored by a retired or sitting Supreme Court judge.
Addressing a press conference at the All India Congress Committee headquarters, Gehlot claimed that allegations relating to donations, offerings and land transactions connected with the Ram Temple had become a matter of public concern across the country. He questioned the Trust’s functioning and alleged a lack of transparency and accountability.
The former Rajasthan Chief Minister criticised the reported statement of the Trust that the matter involved “negligence and not theft”, saying it had raised further public suspicion. He also alleged irregularities in land purchases and questioned the role of the Trust’s office-bearers, claiming that the Treasurer had distanced himself from financial decisions.
Gehlot demanded that the existing Trust be dissolved and replaced with a new body comprising religious leaders, saints and Shankaracharyas. He also called for complete disclosure of all donations received by the Trust and urged the Prime Minister to clarify the government’s position on the issue.
The Congress leader further said that an investigation by a Supreme Court-monitored panel, rather than a Special Investigation Team (SIT), would be necessary to restore public confidence.
The allegations were made by Ashok Gehlot during a media briefing. There was no immediate response from the Ram Temple Trust or the government to the claims made by the Congress leader./ LAB