'Ram Temple's Stolen Donations Weren't Given With True Faith': UP Speaker's Bizarre Remark Sparks Row
'Ram Temple's Stolen Donations Weren't Given With True Faith': UP Speaker's Bizarre Remark Sparks Row Published By, Last Updated: July 15, 2026, 11:39 IST UP
'Ram Temple's Stolen Donations Weren't Given With True Faith': UP Speaker's Bizarre Remark Sparks Row Published By, Last Updated: July 15, 2026, 11:39 IST UP Speaker Satish Mahana's remarks drew strong reactions from opposition parties, with Samajwadi Party leader Ashutosh Verma calling them "highly absurd." A file photo of Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya | Image credit: PTI Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana has sparked a political controversy with his remarks on the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, prompting sharp criticism from the opposition. Commenting on the alleged theft, Mahana said, “Perhaps those whose money was stolen did not donate with true faith and devotion. We donated with complete faith, and our money is still in the temple." The remarks drew strong reactions from opposition parties, with Samajwadi Party leader Ashutosh Verma calling them “highly absurd." Verma said the Assembly Speaker should not make light of a matter involving devotees’ offerings and public faith.
Congress spokesperson Anshu Awasthi also criticised Mahana, alleging that BJP leaders had failed to protect the donations made at the Ram Temple. Also Read: ‘Tried To Offer Namaz At Hanumangarhi’: Yogi Revives 2003 Charge Against SP, Congress Amid Ram Temple Row He claimed the alleged theft had hurt the faith of 1.4 billion Indians and questioned the Speaker’s remarks, asking, “Was there a GPS to measure the devotion with which people donated?" Ayodhya Temple Donation Row A controversy broke out in early June after discrepancies were allegedly uncovered in the counting of donations received at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Acting on the temple trust’s recommendation, the Uttar Pradesh government set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged financial irregularities. During the investigation, the SIT reportedly found prima facie evidence suggesting misappropriation of funds, leading to the registration of an FIR and the arrest of eight individuals involved in the temple’s donation-counting operations.
The controversy also triggered changes within the temple trust. General Secretary Champat Rai stepped down from his post, with the trust accepting his resignation on July 6. He was succeeded by former Indian Forest Service officer Krishna Mohan, who had filed the FIR in the case. In the wake of the probe, trustee Anil Mishra also resigned, while Gopal Rao, who served as a special invitee to the trust, was removed from his role. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What new security measures will protect temple donations? New security measures at the Ram Temple include pocketless uniforms for cash counters, double-layer security, and frequent frisking of staff. Hidden cameras have been installed in the donation counting room, and the entire area has been declared a red zone with restricted access. Could this controversy impact the upcoming state elections? The controversy surrounding alleged Ram Temple donation irregularities has become a significant political issue in Uttar Pradesh, potentially impacting the upcoming 2027 state elections.
The BriefWire