Yogi Adityanath Cites SIT Findings in Ram Temple Donation Theft Case, Says No Sadhu or Saint Involved

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday defended the ongoing investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations collected at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, stating that the Special Investigation Team’s (SIT) preliminary findings have not found the involvement of any sadhu or saint in the case.

Addressing reporters amid a growing political controversy, Adityanath said the initial report submitted by the SIT did not indicate the role of any religious leader in the alleged theft of temple offerings. His remarks come as opposition parties continue to raise the issue both inside Parliament and the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, demanding a detailed discussion on the matter.

The Chief Minister accused the Samajwadi Party and the Congress of attempting to mislead the public and tarnish Uttar Pradesh’s image. He alleged that opposition parties were trying to divert attention from legislative proceedings by politicising the investigation.

Calling the opposition’s conduct “undemocratic and unconstitutional,” Adityanath said such actions were disrespectful to the ideals of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. He further accused the Samajwadi Party of attempting to exploit religious sentiments for political gains.

In a sharp political attack, the Chief Minister also referred to past controversies involving opposition leaders and claimed that those who had previously questioned the existence of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna were now presenting themselves as defenders of faith. According to him, the Samajwadi Party and Congress were jointly working to create a negative perception about Uttar Pradesh and its governance.

The controversy has overshadowed parts of the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, which began on August 3 and is scheduled to conclude on August 6. On Tuesday, the state government presented its supplementary budget amid repeated demands from opposition legislators for a discussion on the alleged donation theft.

Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey made it clear that the Samajwadi Party would continue to raise the issue regardless of the government’s legislative agenda. He said the alleged embezzlement of Ram Mandir donations was a matter of public concern and deserved a full debate.

The issue has also spilled over into Parliament, where opposition MPs staged demonstrations on several matters, including the alleged Ram Temple donation scam. Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Manickam Tagore, along with RJD MP Manoj Jha, demanded accountability from the Centre on separate issues while opposition parties collectively sought discussions on the Ayodhya case.

Samajwadi Party MPs staged a symbolic protest by displaying a donation box outside Parliament, with party chief Akhilesh Yadav participating in the demonstration. Party MP Anand Bhadauria demanded a detailed discussion on the alleged theft of temple donations, while Revolutionary Socialist Party MP N.K. Premachandran questioned the government’s response to opposition concerns.

Meanwhile, the legal and investigative process continues. On July 27, the Uttar Pradesh government informed the Supreme Court that it had constituted a fresh SIT headed by Inspector General of Police Kiran S to probe the alleged embezzlement. The new investigation team was formed in compliance with directions issued by the apex court.

According to officials, eight accused individuals have been arrested so far in connection with the case. Investigators are currently tracing the money trail, examining financial transactions, and identifying any additional beneficiaries who may have been linked to the alleged diversion of temple donations.

As the probe progresses, the Ram Temple donation theft case has emerged as a major political flashpoint, with the ruling BJP and opposition parties presenting sharply different narratives while awaiting the final findings of the SIT investigation.