RamMandir – Congress Alleges Detention of Ajay Rai During Ayodhya Temple Visit
RamMandir – Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai has accused the state administration of preventing him and other party leaders from visiting the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya, claiming they were detained before they could offer prayers.
Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai on Tuesday alleged that police detained him shortly after he reached Ayodhya, where he had planned to visit the Ram Janmabhoomi temple along with a delegation of party leaders. According to Rai, he was taken into custody from the hotel where he was staying before the group could proceed to the temple. The Congress leader described the action as an attempt to stop the delegation from carrying out a religious visit and strongly criticized the state government over the incident.
Congress Raises Objections Over Police Action
Sharing his account on the social media platform X, Rai alleged that the Uttar Pradesh government acted out of fear and referred to it using a derogatory political phrase linked to the ongoing controversy over temple donations. He claimed the administration was uncomfortable with the Congress delegation visiting Ayodhya and offering prayers at the temple. Rai further accused the ruling government of misusing its authority and asserted that his party would continue to raise its voice despite such actions.
The Uttar Pradesh Congress also claimed that Pratapgarh district president Neeraj Tripathi, who was expected to join the delegation, was similarly detained by police. Party leaders argued that no clear explanation was provided for the action and described the move as an unnecessary restriction on individuals wishing to visit a place of worship.
Party Demands Immediate Release of Leaders
In its statement posted on X, the state Congress unit maintained that Lord Ram represents the cultural and spiritual faith of the entire nation rather than any political organisation. The party said preventing citizens from visiting Ayodhya for religious purposes was contrary to constitutional principles. It called on the Uttar Pradesh government to release all detained Congress leaders immediately and allow them to proceed with their planned visit without obstruction.
The Congress also alleged that police had placed some leaders under preventive detention before the scheduled programme, describing the action as politically motivated. The state government had not publicly responded to these specific allegations at the time of reporting.
Donation Case Continues to Draw Attention
The political dispute unfolded against the backdrop of the ongoing investigation into the alleged misappropriation of donations collected at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple. The issue has remained in focus over recent days following developments in the investigation conducted by Uttar Pradesh Police.
On Monday, a local court in Ayodhya sent all accused individuals in the alleged donation irregularities case to 14 days of judicial custody. Investigators are examining claims of financial misconduct and the suspected misuse of funds and offerings associated with the temple. The Special Investigation Team continues to probe the matter.
Families Meet Accused in District Jail
Following the court’s order, relatives of the accused arrived at Ayodhya District Jail to meet family members lodged there. Among those seen at the prison were Ravi Yadav, son of accused Tinnu Yadav, and Shani Yadav, brother of accused Manish Yadav. Their visit came a day after the judicial custody order was passed.
Political Debate Intensifies in Uttar Pradesh
The alleged donation scam has sparked a sharp political confrontation in Uttar Pradesh. Opposition parties have questioned the handling of temple-related funds, while the ruling BJP has rejected criticism and defended its position. As the investigation progresses, the issue continues to dominate political discussions in the state, with both sides exchanging allegations over accountability and governance