VHP President Alok Kumar (File photo) Has the embezzlement of donations row damaged Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust’s credibility, shaken devotees’ faith?It’s a moral blemish that every Hindu feels. This is a temple with a 500-year history of struggle and Hindu sacrifices. When it was to be built, 12.5 crore families donated money. The feeling that their money has been stolen is very unfortunate. Yes, it has hurt. It has hurt the trust’s credibility, not VHP. On the day SC’s verdict came, VHP categorically stated: “Our job is over”. There has to be ‘prayaschit’. Priority should be a probe, identification of guilty, trial and conviction. That would restore confidence.Can VHP disown moral responsibility when the temple trust is led by people rooted in Ram Janmabhoomi movement?Suppose a govt servant swindles money from a club he is a member of, would you say whole govt is responsible and should resign? When Champat (Rai) ji is trust general secretary, we can’t be blamed for his wrongdoings.Does ‘no guilty should be spared’ include Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, others?No guilty should be spared. I am not saying whether anyone is guilty or not. That is for investigators to find out.Should they step aside from VHP-linked duties?They have resigned as it was being said if they continue, they may influence witnesses or tamper with evidence. This (resignation) should be appreciated. Let police probe and court decide.Your response to Congress’s charge of “big fish” being shielded and seeking SC-monitored probe?On what basis are they saying we are protecting the big fish? FIR names eight persons in the SIT report and others. Request is for a comprehensive probe. Congress’s 2027 UP poll campaign should have some honesty. There is no protection for anybody.Are Congress-SP seeking accountability or weaponising Hindu sentiment?It’s strange coming from Congress and SP. Akhilesh says they will turn Ayodhya into Siyaram Dham. But as CM, why didn’t he visit Ayodhya, or give a single scheme for its development? It was a dusty, forgotten town. Why this sudden love for Ram? Congress also gave affidavit in SC saying Ram is a mythological figure.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCentre Directs Apple, Google To Remove 7 Apps From Their Stores Over E-Rickshaw Shutdown ScareCentre To Summon Meta Over Instagram Ads Promoting Child Sexual Abuse: Report’Police Are Not Servants Of CM Or PM’: Bombay High Court Quashes SDPI Leader’s ExternmentFour Former AIADMK Ministers Switch To TVK; Fresh Political Churn Leaves Six Assembly Seats VacantKarur Stampede Flashpoint: TVK-DMK Clash; Former CM Allegedly Blamed For Loss Of LivesTwin-Flower Symbol Under Threat As EC Examines Mamata And Ritabrata Faction ClaimsRam Mandir Donation Row Deepens As Vinay Katiyar Claims Trust Officials Could Face Jail’Unfortunate, We Are All Hurt’: RSS Issues First Statement On Ayodhya Ram Temple ‘Donation Theft’SC Raises Questions But Grants Relief To Sonam In Raja Raghuvanshi Murder Case Appeal’Will Surrender Before Court’: Jailed Gangster Anmol Bishnoi Wants To Join Salman Khan Firing Trial123PhotostoriesFrom his bond with Dilip Joshi to watching IPL match with SRK in his vanity: When Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’s Goli aka Kush Shah spoke about his journey8 traditional South Indian rice dishes for a light, healthy summer dinner (with calories)BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Tamannaah Bhatia serve Yin and Yang-inspired ensembles at the Shiseido launch eventMany men ignore these symptoms until it’s too late: Doctor explain the warning signs of prostate problemsGood or bad? 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Has the embezzlement of donations row damaged Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust‘s credibility, shaken devotees’ faith?It’s a moral blemish that every Hindu feels. This is a temple with a 500-year history of struggle and Hindu sacrifices. When it was to be built, 12.5 crore families donated money. The feeling that their money has been stolen is very unfortunate. Yes, it has hurt. It has hurt the trust’s credibility, not VHP. On the day SC’s verdict came, VHP categorically stated: “Our job is over”. There has to be ‘prayaschit’. Priority should be a probe, identification of guilty, trial and conviction. That would restore confidence.Can VHP disown moral responsibility when the temple trust is led by people rooted in Ram Janmabhoomi movement?Suppose a govt servant swindles money from a club he is a member of, would you say whole govt is responsible and should resign? When Champat (Rai) ji is trust general secretary, we can’t be blamed for his wrongdoings.Does ‘no guilty should be spared’ include Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, others?No guilty should be spared. I am not saying whether anyone is guilty or not. That is for investigators to find out.Should they step aside from VHP-linked duties?They have resigned as it was being said if they continue, they may influence witnesses or tamper with evidence. This (resignation) should be appreciated. Let police probe and court decide.Your response to Congress’s charge of “big fish” being shielded and seeking SC-monitored probe?On what basis are they saying we are protecting the big fish? FIR names eight persons in the SIT report and others. Request is for a comprehensive probe. Congress’s 2027 UP poll campaign should have some honesty. There is no protection for anybody.Are Congress-SP seeking accountability or weaponising Hindu sentiment?It’s strange coming from Congress and SP. Akhilesh says they will turn Ayodhya into Siyaram Dham. But as CM, why didn’t he visit Ayodhya, or give a single scheme for its development? It was a dusty, forgotten town. Why this sudden love for Ram? Congress also gave affidavit in SC saying Ram is a mythological figure.
