- BJP’s Ranaut criticized Congress for exploiting Ram Temple theft politically.
- Himachal Congress leaders commented; Ranaut alleged temple fund diversion.
- SIT arrested eight; Ram Temple Trust accepted resignations.
Himachal Pradesh BJP leader and Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut on Wednesday (July 8) accused the Congress of trying to derive political mileage from the alleged theft of offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
In a statement, Ranaut said the people of Himachal Pradesh and the rest of the country were well aware of the Congress party’s “double standards”.
Her remarks came a day after Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu said the alleged irregularities involving offerings at the Ram Temple were not merely a theft of money but also a theft of the faith of crores of devotees.
‘Congress Opposed Ram Temple, Now Wants Political Benefit’
The BJP MP’s response also followed comments made by Himachal Pradesh Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, who was defeated by Ranaut from the Mandi Lok Sabha constituency in the 2024 general election.
On Tuesday (July 7), Vikramaditya Singh had said that if the alleged theft of offerings at the Ram Temple had surfaced during a Congress government, the BJP would have created an uproar across the country.
Responding to the Congress, Ranaut said, “The Congress party opposed the construction of the Ram temple for years, and now the same party is trying to gain political advantage on this issue.”
She added that Lord Ram is a symbol of faith for millions of Indians and that the Ram Temple was built only after centuries of struggle, sacrifice and devotion.
Alleges Himachal Government Tried To Divert Temple Funds
Ranaut also accused the Himachal Pradesh government of attempting to divert temple funds for government projects and trying to establish control over the resources of temples and religious institutions.
She said the same Congress leaders were now speaking about the Ram Temple. According to Ranaut, the BJP has always remained committed to protecting Sanatan culture, faith and India’s civilisational heritage.
She further said that the BJP has never used faith as a tool for vote-bank politics but has treated it as an integral part of the country’s cultural identity.
‘Congress Must Answer For Its Failures’
Claiming that people have understood the Congress party’s politics and “true character”, Ranaut said the people of Himachal Pradesh want development, good governance and public welfare, not the political exploitation of religious sentiments.
She added that instead of politicising an issue as sacred as the Ram Temple, the Congress government should answer for its failures and fulfil the promises it made to the public.
SIT Arrests Eight; Trust Accepts Resignations
Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) has arrested eight accused in connection with the alleged embezzlement of cash donations at the Ram Temple.
Amid the controversy, the Trust on Monday accepted the resignations of its General Secretary Champat Rai and member Anil Mishra. At the same meeting, Krishna Mohan was appointed as the interim General Secretary.
