Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reportedly deeply disturbed by the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and has directed that strict action be taken against those responsible.
According to sources, the Prime Minister is concerned not only about the alleged misappropriation of devotees’ money but also about what he believes reflects a serious systemic failure in the temple’s financial management.
Chairman of the Ram Temple Construction Committee, Nripendra Misra, said the Prime Minister’s concern is twofold. “I would say that the Prime Minister is worried. There are two kinds of concerns. First, he is worried about the money donated by devotees. Second, he is concerned that this points to a completely broken and shabby system,” Misra said.
Senior BJP leader and Bajrang Dal founder Vinay Katiyar revealed that he had personally spoken to Prime Minister Modi about the controversy. According to Katiyar, it is evident that money has been siphoned off from the temple’s donation collection.
“I spoke to Modiji regarding the matter, and he asked me what would happen next. I assured him that everything would be handled properly,” Katiyar said.
He further claimed that Champat Rai, Anil Misra, and Gopal Rao could face legal action and even imprisonment if the investigation establishes their involvement. Katiyar, who also served as the BJP’s Uttar Pradesh president, stressed that the investigation must proceed without interference.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has urged patience, asking people to wait until the Special Investigation Team (SIT) completes its probe. He has assured that the investigation will be conducted in a fair and transparent manner and has repeatedly stated that strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty, irrespective of their position.
The Uttar Pradesh government constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) on 13 June 2026 to investigate the alleged theft. The team’s preliminary report, submitted on 23 June, reportedly indicated evidence of systematic embezzlement.
According to the findings, staff members allegedly concealed cash by hiding it inside their clothes, trouser pockets, and even their shoes while handling donations collected from devotees. Given the seriousness of the findings, the SIT’s tenure has now been extended by an additional 15 days to complete its investigation.
An FIR has already been registered, and eight people have been arrested so far, including Tinnu Yadav, the driver of former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai.
On 13 July 2026, a Bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant issued notices to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and directed the Uttar Pradesh SIT to submit a detailed status report on the progress of the investigation.
In response to the controversy, the Trust has announced significant administrative reforms, including the creation of the post of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to oversee financial management and strengthen accountability. Nripendra Misra said the newly appointed CEO would supervise all financial arrangements while ensuring better coordination with the government.
Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has levelled serious allegations, claiming that the amount stolen from the Ram Mandir donation boxes could exceed Rs. #AAP200 crore and that more than 50 employees may have been involved in the alleged racket.
However, the SIT has not officially confirmed these figures. Its investigation has so far suggested that staff members allegedly stole cash on a daily basis, particularly during the Kumbh Mela, when donations increased significantly. Reports indicate that between Rs. 15 lakh and Rs. 20 lakh may have been siphoned off every day.
Official records show that the Ram Mandir has received approximately Rs. 2,100 crore in donations since the project began.
The controversy has now become a major political issue. Opposition parties, including the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, and the Samajwadi Party, have intensified their attacks on the BJP. They have questioned Prime Minister Modi’s public silence and demanded swift action against those responsible.
The Congress has alleged that the Prime Minister, along with the BJP and RSS leadership, is attempting to use the SIT investigation to provide a safe exit to individuals close to the ruling establishment.
The BJP has rejected those allegations. Senior party leaders have maintained that no guilty individual will be spared. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak has also reiterated that the government is fully committed to ensuring strict legal action against anyone found responsible.
According to those familiar with the Prime Minister’s thinking, Narendra Modi remains deeply concerned both about the alleged theft itself and about the institutional failures that allowed such irregularities to occur.
At the same time, there is currently no evidence suggesting the BJP as an organisation was directly involved in the alleged financial irregularities. Similarly, there have been no allegations linking Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath personally to the controversy.
However, allegations have emerged that certain individuals associated with sections of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) may have had links to the controversy. These allegations remain under investigation, and the SIT has not reached any final conclusion.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has remained completely outside the controversy. There is no suggestion that he had any knowledge of the alleged irregularities. Bhagwat had been present alongside Prime Minister Modi in the temple’s Garbh Griha during the consecration ceremony, but no allegations have been made against him.
The investigation is now focused on determining whether any individuals connected with the RSS or the VHP, including leaders associated with Champat Rai, played any role in the alleged embezzlement.
According to sources, Prime Minister Modi has clearly instructed investigators that there should be no dilution of the probe. Although he has chosen not to make public statements while the investigation is underway, a style consistent with his approach to sensitive investigations, he is said to be closely monitoring developments and taking necessary decisions internally.
The party, along with various agencies, is already conducting internal surveys to understand public perception. Early assessments reportedly suggest that many people distinguish between the BJP as a political party and the individuals alleged to be involved. The prevailing perception, according to these assessments, is that the controversy concerns certain individuals associated with sections of the RSS and the VHP rather than the BJP organisation itself.
Nripendra Misra, as Chairman of the Ram Temple Construction Committee, was responsible for overseeing the construction of the temple and not its donation management. Nevertheless, as a trustee, he bears institutional responsibility and is personally trying to determine exactly how the alleged financial irregularities occurred. The Prime Minister continues to repose confidence in him and expects a complete and transparent account of the incident.
