Ayodhya (Gurpreet Singh/Rajeev Sharma): AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal visited Ayodhya on Friday to offer prayers at Hanuman Garhi and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, combining a spiritual visit with a strong political message over the ongoing controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in temple donations.
Following his visit, Kejriwal addressed the media along with Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, alleging that the investigation into the donation case had failed to reach those occupying senior positions. He argued that the arrests made so far targeted only lower-level employees, while individuals responsible for overseeing the temple trust had not been brought under the scanner.
Questioning the fairness of the probe, Kejriwal claimed that an operation involving temple donations over an extended period could not have been carried out without the knowledge of higher authorities. He maintained that limiting the investigation to a handful of employees would not reveal the complete picture.
The former Delhi Chief Minister also criticised the BJP, saying the party had played a key role in establishing the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and appointing its leadership. He questioned why senior office-bearers had not been named in the FIR despite the seriousness of the allegations.
Drawing inspiration from Lord Ram’s life, Kejriwal said the deity represented truth, sacrifice and justice, adding that these values should also guide public institutions. He asserted that devotees who contribute to the temple deserve complete transparency and accountability in the handling of donations.
Despite his criticism of the investigation, Kejriwal described his visit to the Ram Mandir as a deeply moving experience. He said the temple is a symbol of faith for millions of Hindus across the world and expressed gratitude for getting the opportunity to seek blessings there.
The alleged donation controversy has triggered a political war of words in recent days. While investigators have arrested several individuals named in the FIR, opposition parties continue to demand a wider inquiry to determine whether accountability extends beyond those already taken into custody. The investigation into the matter is ongoing.
