RSS veteran relieved of Ram Mandir trust duties amid donation theft row
RSS veteran Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi has stepped down as the Patron of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, with the trust relieving him of
RSS veteran Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi has stepped down as the Patron of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, with the trust relieving him of his responsibilities amid an organisational reshuffle that comes in the wake of the Ayodhya Ram Temple donation theft row. Joshi, one of the RSS's most influential leaders who was regarded as a key link between the Sangh and the BJP, cited health reasons for stepping down from the post.
Read Full Story The 78-year-old was appointed as the Trust's Patron after allegations of irregularities surfaced in land purchases linked to the Ram Janmabhoomi project several years ago. Although he occasionally attended Trust meetings, Joshi maintained a low public profile and was rarely seen in Ayodhya. Sources said that his role was largely advisory and behind the scenes, with little direct involvement in day-to-day affairs.
Joshi served as the RSS's general secretary from 2009 until 2021. His 12-year tenure made him the organisation's second longest-serving general secretary after HV Seshadri, who held the post from 1987 to 2000. His resignation comes at a time when the Ram Temple Trust is facing intense political scrutiny amid the donation theft row, an issue that has sparked repeated confrontations between the ruling NDA and the Opposition in Parliament.
The controversy also led to changes within the temple trust, with senior functionaries, including Champat Rai, stepping down as general secretary. Ends
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