Opposition Demands Trust Dissolution Over Ram Temple Donation Scam

Allegations of a donation embezzlement scandal involving between Rs 7 crore and Rs 7.5 crore at the Ayodhya Ram Temple have sparked a political conflict in India. Opposition parties, including the Shiv Sena (UBT), Samajwadi Party, and Indian National Congress, are demanding an independent probe and the immediate dissolution of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi claimed that current arrests target only low-level employees while a Special Investigation Team (SIT) avoids investigating high-ranking individuals.

In response to the scandal, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust scheduled a meeting on July 6, 2026, to address the allegations. Law enforcement has intensified its efforts, with the Uttar Pradesh government granting the SIT a 15-day extension to widen its inquiry. Ayodhya Police also obtained court permission to interrogate five jailed suspects and have questioned another accused individual, Avinash Shukla.

Political tensions escalated as Uddhav Thackeray led a 'Ram Raksha' protest in Mumbai. Conversely, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BJP National President Nitin Nabin accused the opposition of attacking the Hindu faith for political gain. These parties intend to raise the embezzlement scandal, along with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and inflation, during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament scheduled for July 20 to August 13, 2026.