Arvind Kejriwal Ignites Fresh Ram Temple Row, Demands Answers Over Trust Fund Allegations

Arvind Kejriwal has sharpened his attack on the management of donations linked to the Ram temple in Ayodhya, demanding accountability from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and questioning why its general secretary, Champat Rai, continues in office despite allegations over financial dealings.

In a video message shared on social media, the Aam Aadmi Party national convener alleged that serious questions remain unanswered over the handling of money donated by devotees across the country. Kejriwal said the issue was not merely political, but involved the faith and trust of crores of people who contributed to the temple project.

Kejriwal questions Champat Rai’s role in Ram temple trust

Kejriwal directly targeted Champat Rai, saying he held a key position in the trust and should be removed until the allegations are examined independently. He asked why no action had been taken if the most serious questions were being raised about the functioning of the trust under Rai’s watch.

The AAP leader also put the onus on the central government, saying the Prime Minister and the Home Minister should explain why the trust has not been made fully transparent before the public. He argued that a project built on public faith must be held to the highest standards of accountability.

The allegations referred to by Kejriwal relate mainly to land purchases linked to the temple project. Critics have alleged that some land deals were carried out at rates much higher than the prevailing market value. Kejriwal said such claims require an impartial probe because the money involved came from public donations.

Why the donation row has political weight

The Ram temple in Ayodhya is among the most sensitive and closely watched religious projects in India. Donations for its construction came from individuals, families and organisations across states. For many contributors, the money was offered as an act of devotion rather than a routine financial contribution.

That is why any allegation about misuse, inflated land purchases or lack of transparency carries strong political and emotional consequences. Kejriwal sought to frame the issue as a breach of trust, saying even small donors deserved to know how their money was spent.

The Ram temple trust has previously denied wrongdoing in controversies over land purchases and has maintained that transactions were carried out legally. However, opposition leaders have repeatedly demanded fuller disclosure of accounts and deal documents to remove doubts around the management of temple funds.

Kejriwal’s latest remarks are likely to intensify the political debate around the trust’s functioning. The central question now is whether the trustees or the government will issue a detailed response to the allegations, especially on transparency in donations, land deals and decision-making within the temple management.