Ajay Rai Questions Trust Over Donation Theft Allegations
Key Points:
- Air Marshal (Retd) Jitendra Mishra appointed first CEO of Ram temple
- Sadhus give mixed reactions, some question new trustee appointments
- Congress leader Ajay Rai demands action on alleged donation theft
AYODHYA – The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust appointed former Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra as the Ram temple’s first chief executive officer on Wednesday, triggering a range of reactions from religious leaders and politicians in Ayodhya. Swami Govinddev Giri was named the trust’s general secretary as part of the same reshuffle, while Mahesh Bhagchandka, Madan Mohan Pandey and Nirmala Yadav were appointed as new trustees.
Mahant Sitaram Das Ji Maharaj congratulated Mishra on the appointment, saying a person who had served the nation now had the opportunity to serve Ramlala. However, he also referred to objections raised by some sadhus over the appointment of three trust members, noting that those chosen were seen as not having been part of the historic Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
Mahant Raju Das called the appointment a good step and said worship at the temple should follow Vaishnav, Ramanandi and ascetic traditions. He appealed to the new CEO to also pay attention to cow shelters in Ayodhya, adding that he had always believed the temple’s responsibility would have been better placed with a sadhu.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad general secretary Bajrang Lal Bagra described the appointment as part of an organisational change, saying large institutions must adapt their functioning according to changing circumstances. Mahant Deveshacharya Ji Maharaj of Hanumangarhi said the sadhu community had earlier opposed the idea of a CEO but noted satisfaction that a former armed forces officer, rather than an IAS or IPS official, had been chosen.
Mahamandaleshwar Vishnu Das Ji Maharaj said the opposition had tried to make a political issue out of alleged donation theft at the temple, adding that Mishra had played a role in Operation Sindoor. Dharmaguru Karpatri Ji Maharaj recalled that Mishra had served in the Kargil war and later rose to the rank of Air Chief Marshal. Former Babri Masjid case litigant Iqbal Ansari also welcomed the appointment, calling it a good decision given Mishra’s military background.
Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai strongly criticised the move, saying the appointment alone was not a major achievement unless action was taken against those responsible for the alleged donation theft. “What action has been taken against those who stole the offerings?” Rai said, adding that Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, Gopal Rao and other trust officials should be held accountable.
BJP leader Locket Chatterjee called the appointment good news, while national spokesperson R.P. Singh noted that Mishra had held the rank of Air Marshal during Operation Sindoor. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak also congratulated Mishra on his new role.
Telangana minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy said he was unaware of the appointment but expressed surprise over the alleged donation-related developments at the temple. Himachal Pradesh opposition leader Jairam Thakur extended good wishes to the trust, while All India Imam Association president Maulana Sajid Rashidi questioned how a person with a military background would manage a religious institution, though he expressed hope the move would strengthen the temple’s financial management.
