NEW DLEHI: Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Saturday targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over alleged financial irregularities at temple trusts, claiming that revelations of donation theft at Kedarnath and Badrinath have raised serious questions about governance in BJP-ruled states.Speaking to ANI, Ramesh linked the allegations to the BJP’s campaign around the Ram Temple, saying, “Votes were taken in the name of Ram for the Ram Temple, but Ram’s name is being tarnished. Revelations have recently surfaced in Kedarnath and Badrinath, where donations were also stolen.”The Congress leader questioned why such incidents were allegedly taking place in states governed by the BJP and pointed to the composition of temple trusts.”Why is this theft happening in BJP-ruled states? Because BJP and RSS members are on this trust. Didn’t the Prime Minister and Home Minister know about these people?” he said.Ramesh also reiterated his allegations in a post on X, alleging that efforts were being made to shield those responsible.He wrote, “Prayers of the donation theft at Shri Ram Mandir are continuously being uncovered, but efforts to protect the big thieves from BJP-RSS are being made with full force. Crores of rupees in offerings from Shri Ram Mandir have been stolen, but the agencies of the country have been gagged.”The remarks come amid allegations circulating on social media over the alleged misappropriation of donations and offerings at the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple.Responding to the allegations, Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) chairman Hemant Dwivedi said the committee had acted swiftly and initiated an inquiry.In a video statement, Dwivedi said, “Regarding the news and allegations circulating on social media concerning the alleged misappropriation of donations and offerings at the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Dham, I wish to state that the Temple Committee has taken this matter very seriously. Notices–specifically show-cause notices–have already been issued by our Chief Executive Officer to all employees and officials involved in the counting process.”He said an inquiry committee had been constituted and assured that action would follow if wrongdoing was established.”An inquiry committee has also been constituted with immediate effect. This committee will conduct its investigation and submit a report as soon as possible, which will be made public. Strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty, as this is a highly sensitive issue that we are treating with the utmost seriousness, given the deep faith millions of people place in this holy shrine. All necessary actions were initiated within 24 hours,” Dwivedi said.The BKTC chairman also rejected claims on social media regarding the alleged involvement of his personal secretary.”I also wish to clarify a point regarding claims circulating on social media about the ‘Chairman’s personal secretary.’ I want to make it clear that I do not have a personal secretary; all these individuals are Temple Committee employees. The person being referred to as the ‘personal secretary’ is actually a regular employee of the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee,” he said.Earlier this week, the BKTC had issued fresh directives for the handling of donations, offerings and other revenue across temples under its administration. In an order dated July 2, chief executive officer Sohan Singh Rangar instructed officials and employees at donation-counting centres, treasury sections, accounts branches, guest houses and puja counters at Badrinath, Kedarnath and other committee-managed temples to maintain complete transparency in the collection, safekeeping and accounting of donations.
