No saint linked to Ayodhya donation case so far, says CM Yogi
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said the preliminary investigation into the alleged irregularities involving donations at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple has not found any evidence linking saints to the case.
Speaking to reporters, Adityanath said the findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) indicate that no saint has been implicated during the initial stage of the probe. He added that the temple complex employs more than 1,100 people in different capacities and that, based on the evidence collected so far, only eight individuals have been identified as having direct or indirect links to the alleged irregularities.
The Chief Minister also criticised the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress over their comments on the issue. He alleged that both parties had consistently opposed the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and Lord Ram in the past. Referring to the events in Ayodhya in 1990, he said devotees continue to remember those incidents and accused the Opposition of attempting to politicise the present investigation.
Clarifying the nature of the case, Adityanath said the allegations relate to temple offerings and are being examined through the legal process. He noted that the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was constituted in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directions and said the state government could not intervene in the trust’s affairs unless requested by the trust or directed by the apex court.
He said the Uttar Pradesh government constituted the SIT on June 13 after receiving a request from the trust. According to the Chief Minister, the investigation team is headed by a senior officer and includes officials with expertise in financial matters to ensure a thorough probe.
Targeting the Opposition, Adityanath alleged that the conduct of SP and Congress leaders inside Parliament, as well as their remarks about saints, amounted to an insult to Sanatan Dharma and India’s cultural traditions. He claimed the two parties had repeatedly taken positions that were contrary to Sanatan values.
The Chief Minister also criticised the Opposition’s behaviour in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, describing it as undemocratic. He said the Speaker had expressed willingness to allow a discussion on the matter within the framework of the Assembly’s rules, but Opposition members instead disrupted proceedings and displayed placards.
Referring to Rule 59 of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly’s Rules of Procedure, Adityanath said issues that are sub judice or under investigation are generally not taken up for discussion in the House. However, he added that the Speaker has the discretion to permit a debate if it is determined that doing so would not interfere with the ongoing investigation.
