Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has demanded an inquiry into Ram Mandir Trust treasurer Govind Giri if the alleged theft from the Ram Mandir treasury occurred during his tenure, saying the treasurer has the primary responsibility of protecting Ayodhya temple funds and maintaining its accounts.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Raut said that if the alleged financial irregularities occurred during Govind Giri’s tenure as treasurer, he should also be investigated.
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“If the alleged theft of the Ram Mandir treasury occurred during his tenure, Govind Giri, treasurer of the Ram Mandir Trust, should also face investigation. The treasurer has the primary responsibility of safeguarding temple funds, financial control and maintaining temple accounts. The allegation that auditors have been sent from Pune only is open to severe criticism; a temple of such national and religious importance deserves a more robust financial management system. The Ram Mandir represents not only the faith of the Hindus but also the faith of the Hindus,” he said. “It is also the pride of the nation and countless people have made sacrifices to build it,” Raut said.
‘Ram Raksha Stotra’ campaign.
Regarding the proposed ‘Ram Raksha Stotra’ campaign, Raut said he has written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inviting him to participate in the movement, which is scheduled to be launched in Nagpur on July 18.
“I have written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, inviting him to participate in the ‘Ram Raksha’ movement that will be launched in Nagpur on July 18. This campaign is being organized against alleged theft at Ram Mandir, alleged misappropriation of devotees’ offerings, and alleged financial irregularities. Since then, Devendra Fadnavis has publicly described himself as a devotee of Lord Ram and claimed to have participated in Ram. The Janmabhoomi movement should also be concerned about these allegations,” he said. All devotees of Lord Ram will be invited to attend the program which will be held in the presence of Uddhav Thackeray.”
In his letter dated July 15, Sanjay Raut addressed Maharashtra CM Fadnavis as a “devoted devotee of Lord Ram” and referred to his association with the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. He said that Ram Mandir was built after a long struggle of millions of devotees.
“However, in Ram Mandir itself, serious crimes such as theft, looting and fraud are currently taking place, resulting in the embezzlement of hundreds of millions of rupees. Even the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) itself has expressed its deep ‘sadness’ and concern over the theft taking place in Ayodhya,” Raut wrote.
Pointing out that the Shiv Sena (UBT) had launched the ‘Ram Raksha’ initiative to create public awareness about the alleged financial irregularities, Raut said the campaign symbolizes the protection of Lord Ram.
“To raise public awareness about looting of Ram Mandir, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) has launched the Ram Raksha initiative. Please understand that Ram Raksha signifies the security and protection of Lord Ram,” the letter read.
Raut invited the Prime Minister to attend the program scheduled to be held at Ram Mandir in Ramnagar, Nagpur, on July 18 at 4:30 pm, in the presence of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray.
“As this event is being held in Nagpur, I strongly request and urge you to especially participate in this Ram Raksha initiative and extend your best wishes to the devotees of Lord Ram,” Raut wrote.
Raut on demarcating the border
Regarding the proposed delimitation process, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said that any proposal to increase the number of parliamentary seats should be discussed collectively by all components of the All India Alliance before a decision is taken.
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“Any proposal to increase the number of parliamentary seats by up to 50 per cent can be considered only after discussions with all political parties. No party in the Indian alliance, including the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress or NCP, will take a unilateral stand. Any decision on the demarcation bill will be taken collectively by the alliance partners,” he said.
Reacting to political defections, Raut rejected allegations that leaders who change parties have completed all legal formalities.
“I completely reject the allegations that all ‘legal procedures’ have been completed by leaders changing parties. Such defections are carried out through ‘illegal procedures’ and are against the law. MPs who leave their party in such circumstances will ultimately lose their parliamentary membership,” he said.
