Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has spoken publicly about the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, calling the incident deeply painful for devotees while defending the temple administration against what he described as politically motivated attacks by opposition parties.
Addressing the issue during the Panchayat Aaj Tak program on July 15, 2026, the Chief Minister said the alleged theft had hurt the sentiments of millions of Ram devotees. However, he stressed that the wrongdoing was limited to a handful of individuals and should not be used to question the integrity of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust or the sanctity of Ayodhya.
‘The Incident Hurt Every Ram Devotee’
Yogi Adityanath acknowledged that the allegations surrounding the temple donations had caused widespread disappointment among devotees across the country.
He said the matter was emotionally significant because the offerings made at the Ram Temple represent the faith and devotion of millions of people. According to the Chief Minister, any misuse of such donations naturally causes pain to those who contribute with trust and reverence. At the same time, he maintained that the government acted promptly to ensure accountability.
SIT Formed Immediately
The Chief Minister explained that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted soon after the issue came to light. He said the investigation was initiated following a request from the independent Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, demonstrating the Trust’s willingness to ensure transparency.
According to Yogi Adityanath, the investigation found that the alleged theft was not widespread but involved only a small group of individuals responsible for counting temple donations.
Out of nearly 150 people engaged in the counting process, evidence was reportedly found against eight individuals. Of these, six were allegedly involved directly in the theft, while two were accused of participating in the conspiracy. The Chief Minister stated that all eight accused have been arrested and legal proceedings are underway.
Trust Leaders Resigned on Moral Grounds
Highlighting the Trust’s response, Yogi Adityanath said Champat Rai, the Trust’s General Secretary, and trustee Anil Mishra stepped down from their positions on moral grounds following the controversy. He described the resignations as an example of accountability and said the Trust had cooperated fully with the investigation from the beginning.
Strong Attack on Opposition Parties
During his address, the Chief Minister also launched a sharp political attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress, accusing them of using the controversy to damage the image of Ayodhya and the Ram Temple.
Yogi alleged that instead of appreciating the swift action taken against the accused, opposition leaders were attempting to defame the entire Trust and question the credibility of one of India’s most sacred religious sites.
He argued that blaming the entire institution for the actions of a few individuals was unfair and politically motivated. Questioning the opposition’s stand, he asked what justification remained for attacking the Trust after the accused had already been identified and arrested.
A Sensitive Issue for Devotees
The alleged donation theft has sparked widespread debate due to the emotional and religious significance of the Ram Temple. Millions of devotees from across India contribute offerings at the temple, making transparency and accountability crucial.
While investigations continue, the Uttar Pradesh government has maintained that strict legal action has been taken against those found responsible and that the incident should not overshadow the larger significance of the temple or undermine public faith.
The controversy is likely to remain a major political issue in the coming weeks, but the Chief Minister has made it clear that the state government intends to pursue the case while protecting the reputation of Ayodhya and the Ram Temple.
