As the issue of Ram Mandir looting continues to generate political and public controversy, Alok Kumar, president of Vishwa Hindu Parishad International (VHP), in a stirring interview with Kumkum Chadda, described the controversy as a deep emotional blow to devotees, but rejected suggestions that the VHP should be held accountable for the work of the Ram Mandir Trust.
Kumar said: “What happened is very unfortunate and has hurt the feelings of Hindus all over the world. We are hurt, everyone is hurt and there is no room to find any excuses or try to defend it.”
Kumar also rejected attempts to link the controversy directly to the VHP, RSS or the Centre.
“Champat Rai does not represent VHP.”
One of the most intense conversations during the interview revolved around Mr. Ram Janmabhoomi Tirth Kshetra, General Secretary of the Champat Rai Foundation, who is also the International Vice President of VHP.
Kumar acknowledged Rai’s long association with the organization, but said his role in the trust should not be equated with representing VHP.
The VHP chief said: “I do not deny that Champat Rai ji was one of the senior officials and is currently the international vice president of VHP. But we did not nominate him for the position. We did not recommend him. He does not represent VHP.”
When pressed on why the VHP had not publicly distanced itself from Rai despite mounting criticism, Kumar refused to endorse any immediate disciplinary action.
“Do you want me to dismiss him today without the outcome of the investigation? No one has yet accused Champat Rai of participating in, instigating or planning such looting,” Kumar said.
Watch the full interview here:
He demands the opening of a limited-term investigation and the punishment of the guilty
Throughout the interview, Kumar repeatedly stressed that the investigation should not spare anyone, regardless of their status.
“We were the first to demand an FIR, an investigation by senior officers, a speedy trial and punishment of the guilty,” he said.
Pointing to VHP’s public reaction after the controversy came to light, Kumar said the organization had set four demands: immediate registration of an FIR, investigation by senior officers, daily hearings in a fast-track court, and completion of the entire process within four to five months.
“The guilty must be punished and this entire process must be completed within four to five months so that the Hindu Samaj can feel some satisfaction when it sees the convicted persons going to jail.”
Neglect, unanswered questions and politics surrounding Ayodhya
When repeatedly asked whether VHP should bear moral responsibility despite denying legal accountability, Kumar maintained that the organization would wait for the results of the investigation before considering further action.
“We are ashamed that this happened. We are sorry. We think it is very bad. But in any crime that occurred, we had no role in that crime and no one assigned this role to us.”
Regarding demands to dissolve the fund itself, Kumar disagreed.
“The two trustees against whom allegations have been made have already resigned. There are no allegations against the remaining trustees. I do not believe dissolution of the trust is necessary.”
Kumar also acknowledged the political sensitivity of the controversy, saying the issue could have resonance in an election year.
“This is an election year. The Ram temple row could certainly have an impact. But in the end, Ram ji realizes where there is sincerity and where there is deception,” the VHP chief was quoted as saying.
As the investigation continued, Kumar’s basic message remained unchanged: the alleged irregularities must be thoroughly investigated, and the guilty punished regardless of their standing, but responsibility for running the temple rests with the trust – not the VHP.
