Ram Temple Trust – Surjewala Seeks Rajya Sabha Debate Over Donation Irregularity Claims
Ram Temple Trust –Congress Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Singh Surjewala has sought an urgent discussion in the Upper House over allegations of financial irregularities linked to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, urging the suspension of regular business to address the issue.
Notice Filed Under Rule 267
On Thursday, Congress Rajya Sabha member Randeep Singh Surjewala submitted a notice under Rule 267, requesting that the Rajya Sabha suspend its scheduled legislative agenda to allow an immediate discussion on alleged financial misconduct involving the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The request was addressed to the Rajya Sabha Secretary-General, with an appeal to the Chair to treat the matter as one of urgent national importance and ensure parliamentary scrutiny.
Concerns Over Public Donations
In the notice, Surjewala stated that devotees from India and abroad had contributed thousands of crores of rupees to the Trust through individual, collective, and anonymous donations, driven by religious faith. He argued that any allegation concerning the handling of these contributions deserves transparent examination, considering the scale of public participation and the trust placed by millions of worshippers.
Allegations Raised in the Notice
The Congress leader alleged that the reported financial irregularities involve suspected embezzlement, misuse of donations, and corruption connected to individuals associated with the Trust. According to the notice, such allegations represent not only a financial issue but also a matter affecting the faith and confidence of devotees who made contributions for the construction and development of the Ram Temple.
Surjewala further claimed that if the allegations are established, they would amount to a serious breach of public trust. He also stated that the Trust was constituted under directions of the Supreme Court, making accountability and transparency particularly significant in the handling of donated funds.
Call for Government Accountability
Seeking a dedicated parliamentary debate, Surjewala urged the government to respond to the allegations and clarify the measures taken to ensure financial integrity. He argued that Parliament is the appropriate forum to discuss the issue comprehensively and determine whether adequate oversight mechanisms are in place for institutions handling large public donations.
The notice also asserted that the matter extends beyond financial management and concerns public confidence in charitable and religious institutions receiving substantial contributions from devotees across the country and overseas.
Land Transactions Also Raised
Apart from the donation-related allegations, the notice referred to reported concerns surrounding land purchases made by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Surjewala said these transactions, involving significant financial value, should also be examined by Parliament as part of a broader discussion on transparency and accountability.
He maintained that the reported issues surrounding both donations and land acquisitions require detailed deliberation in the Rajya Sabha to ensure that all facts are placed before the public and appropriate answers are provided.
At the time of filing the notice, it remained a request seeking permission from the Chair under Rule 267, and no parliamentary discussion had yet been scheduled on the matter.