Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat Alleges Centre Shielded Main Accused in Ram Mandir Donation Case

July 3, 2026

New Delhi: Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat on Friday alleged that the alleged embezzlement of donations received at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya took place under the Centre’s protection. He accused the government of shielding the main accused by constituting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) instead of registering an FIR and demanded a judicial inquiry into the matter.

Speaking to ANI, Bhagat claimed the government had failed to show seriousness or sensitivity despite the faith of millions of devotees being linked to the temple. According to him, the absence of a proper FIR against the alleged accused and the decision to rely on an SIT raised serious questions about the handling of the case.

Congress Intensifies Attack on BJP

Earlier, Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal also targeted the Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the Prime Minister had a “moral responsibility” to act. He alleged that the BJP was displaying double standards on issues related to faith and accused the ruling party of using religion for political gain.

Venugopal has written to Prime Minister Modi seeking a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the alleged embezzlement, arguing that the controversy has shaken the faith of millions of devotees. He said the truth must come out through an independent and transparent probe.

What Is the Ram Mandir Donation Controversy?

The controversy came to light after allegations surfaced regarding the alleged misappropriation of donations received at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Following the complaints, an FIR was registered on June 25, prompting the Uttar Pradesh government to constitute a Special Investigation Team to investigate the matter.

Subsequently, Champat Rai and Anil Mishra stepped down, taking moral responsibility for the controversy, even as they denied any personal wrongdoing. The Uttar Pradesh government has since extended the SIT’s tenure by 15 days to widen the scope of the investigation, and police continue to record statements from key individuals.

Why the Case Matters

The Ram Mandir is one of India’s most significant religious sites, attracting donations from devotees across the country and abroad. Any allegation involving temple funds is likely to draw intense public and political attention because it concerns both public trust and religious faith.

While the Congress has demanded a judicial or Supreme Court-monitored investigation, the BJP and the Uttar Pradesh government have maintained that the ongoing SIT probe will establish the facts. The outcome of the investigation is expected to have both legal and political implications, with the issue likely to remain at the centre of political debate in the coming weeks.