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Congress on Ram Mandir Row: Chhanda Chor Controversy Deepens
The Congress on Ram Mandir row has intensified as senior party leader Pramod Tiwari launched fresh criticism against the BJP regarding alleged misappropriation of temple donations. Speaking on Sunday, Tiwari claimed that the financial irregularities trace back to the historic ‘Shila Pujan’ ceremony and became systematic during Champat Rai’s tenure as general secretary.
According to Tiwari, crores of rupees were allegedly diverted during this period. While the current BJP administration hopes the controversy will subside, the Congress leader emphasized that millions of devotees’ religious sentiments remain directly connected to this issue.
“I hail from the Awadh region myself, and between 1985 and 1990, I served as the Tourism Minister in the UP government. I have witnessed the Ram Janmabhoomi movement from very close quarters,” Tiwari declared during his press briefing.
Party Dynamics and Historical Context
Offering a nuanced perspective on BJP membership, Tiwari clarified his stance with a memorable distinction. He stated that while not every BJP member qualifies as a ‘chhanda chor’, every such individual belongs to the party ranks.
“I am not saying that everyone in the BJP is a ‘chhanda chor’, but all the ‘chhanda chors’ are in the BJP,” the Congress leader explained.
Tiwari recalled the foundational slogan of the temple movement: “Ram Lalla hum ayenge; mandir wahin banayenge.” He recounted questioning BJP leaders about construction timelines on multiple occasions. When the party first assumed power in Uttar Pradesh, officials responded that temple building would commence once BJP reached the Centre. Later, during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s central government tenure, the response remained essentially the same: to wait patiently.
“When the movement to build the Ram Mandir was underway, the slogan was: ‘Ram Lalla hum ayenge; mandir wahin banayenge’. Later, when the BJP formed the government in Uttar Pradesh, I asked when the temple would be built. The reply was: ‘When the BJP comes to power at the Centre as well’,” Tiwari was quoted by PTI.
Challenging the narrative of BJP’s role in temple construction, Tiwari pointed out that the structure was erected pursuant to a Supreme Court directive rather than through BJP initiative. He credited Prime Minister Modi with assuming direct oversight of the entire endeavor and noted that trust appointments reflected the PM’s personal choices.
“If Modi ji has claimed the credit for this, how can he absolve himself of the sins committed by the very people to whom he entrusted the responsibility?” he questioned.
Congress on Ram Mandir Row: Future Strategy
Looking ahead, the Congress deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha outlined the party’s strategy. They plan to bring the donation controversy before the public, continue their campaign until accountability is achieved, and reintroduce the matter in Parliament on Monday. Tiwari also called for a thorough investigation conducted by a Special Investigation Team under Supreme Court guidance, demanding strict penalties for those found guilty.
“Answers must be given to the people. We will take this issue regarding offerings and donations to the public, persist in the fight until the guilty are punished, and raise this matter again in the House on Monday,” the Congress’ deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha said.
Meanwhile, scrutiny of the alleged donation theft has intensified considerably. A representative of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust revealed on Saturday that a newly formed investigation team is actively questioning individuals within the temple grounds.
The trust has modified its approach to handling donation collections. Rather than emptying all forty boxes simultaneously, they are now processing them across various days. Professional videographers and 360-degree cameras have been positioned to document the complete procedure, while supplementary CCTV units monitor the counting chamber. State Bank of India personnel ensure that each box is properly sealed and accounted for during the verification process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the chhanda chor controversy?
The chhanda chor controversy involves allegations of misappropriation of donations collected for the Ram Mandir construction. The term refers to individuals accused of stealing or diverting funds meant for the temple project.
Who is Pramod Tiwari?
Pramod Tiwari is a senior Congress leader and deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha. He previously served as the Tourism Minister in the UP government between 1985 and 1990 and has been actively involved in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
What is Congress demanding regarding the Ram Mandir row?
The Congress party is demanding a thorough investigation by a Special Investigation Team under Supreme Court supervision. They want strict penalties for those found guilty and plan to raise the issue in Parliament on Monday.
How has the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust responded?
The trust has modified its donation collection process by processing forty boxes across various days instead of simultaneously. They have installed professional videographers, 360-degree cameras, and additional CCTV units to ensure transparency.
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