Kejriwal Alleges ₹200 Crore, Diamonds Missing From Ram Mandir Donations; Seeks Probe

Arvind Kejriwal has triggered a fresh political row by demanding an investigation into alleged missing donations and valuables linked to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The Aam Aadmi Party national convenor questioned why no police case or central probe had been announced despite serious claims involving temple offerings and public donations.

In a video message posted on X, Kejriwal alleged that nearly Rs 200 crore and boxes containing diamonds and jewellery had gone missing. He accused the Uttar Pradesh and central governments of silence and asked why agencies such as the CBI and ED had not acted. The allegations have not been independently verified, and no official confirmation of such a loss has been issued so far.

Kejriwal seeks action over Ram Mandir donation allegations

Kejriwal said the matter concerns not only money but also the faith of crores of devotees who contributed to the construction and upkeep of the temple. He asked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the Union Home Ministry to intervene and ensure a transparent inquiry into the claims.

The AAP leader also questioned why the Uttar Pradesh Police had not registered an FIR if such serious allegations were in public domain. He said devotees had the right to know whether their donations and offerings were safe. He demanded that details of temple funds and offerings be placed before the public in a transparent manner.

The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is managed by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, a trust set up by the central government in 2020 following the Supreme Court’s 2019 verdict in the Ayodhya title dispute. The trust oversees construction, administration and donation-related systems for the temple complex.

Since the temple’s consecration ceremony in January 2024, Ayodhya has seen a sharp rise in religious tourism. The temple receives donations from devotees across India and abroad. Offerings may include cash, gold, silver, jewellery and other valuables, making accounting and security systems central to public trust.

Why the allegation has political weight

The issue has gained political attention because the Ram Mandir remains one of the most significant religious and political subjects in India. The BJP has long associated itself with the temple movement. Any allegation involving temple donations, even if unverified, can quickly become a matter of public debate and political contestation.

Kejriwal used the issue to attack the BJP’s “double-engine” government model, referring to the party being in power both at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh. He argued that if both governments are led by the same party, there should be no delay in ordering an inquiry or taking action against anyone responsible.

The AAP’s intervention also comes at a time when opposition parties have frequently accused central agencies of acting selectively. Kejriwal’s remarks drew on that argument, as he asked why agencies that move swiftly in political and financial cases were allegedly quiet on a matter involving public faith and large donations.

However, allegations of missing funds or valuables require documentary evidence, audit findings or an official complaint to move into the legal process. In such cases, police action usually depends on a formal complaint, preliminary verification, or directions from competent authorities. Without confirmed records, the claim remains an allegation.

Temple donations and the need for transparency

Large religious institutions in India often handle substantial donations from devotees. This makes transparent accounting, regular audits, secure storage and public reporting important. While religious trusts are not government departments, many manage funds given by the public in the name of faith and are expected to maintain strong governance standards.

For the Ram Mandir, the scale is especially large because the temple has received contributions from millions of families. Donation campaigns, online transfers, cash offerings and valuables have all formed part of the larger temple ecosystem. Any doubt over their handling can affect public confidence, even before facts are established.

A transparent response from the authorities or the temple trust could help clarify the position. This may include explaining whether any complaint has been received, whether internal audits have flagged discrepancies, and what systems are in place for counting, recording and securing offerings. Such clarity would also reduce room for political speculation.

The Uttar Pradesh government and central agencies have not, on the basis of the available information, announced any investigation into Kejriwal’s specific claims. The temple trust’s response will be closely watched if the controversy grows further. Any formal denial, audit clarification or complaint would shape the next stage of the debate.

For now, Kejriwal’s statement has turned an unverified allegation into a national political issue. The central question is whether the authorities will address the claims through a formal clarification or inquiry. Until then, the matter remains a politically sensitive dispute involving faith, public donations and institutional accountability.