India's Ram Mandir donation scandal sparks accusations from opposition leader Kejriwal

Opposition chief Arvind Kejriwal accused the Ram Mandir Teerth Kshetra Trust and the ruling BJP of large‑scale financial irregularities in the temple's donation fund. He claimed the trust over‑priced land purchases – for example, acquiring a Rs 2 crore plot for Rs 18 crore – and imposed a 40 % commission on construction tenders. Kejriwal also said donated valuables, including jewellery, gold ornaments and cash, have gone missing.

An FIR lodged on 25 June named several trust officials and triggered a 14‑day judicial custody for the accused. Two senior trustees resigned, citing moral responsibility. The controversy has become a political flashpoint ahead of Uttar Pradesh’s assembly elections, with analysts linking it to internal BJP rivalries between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and speculating on its impact on the 2027 state election.

The issue has drawn national attention, prompting calls for a central investigation and highlighting concerns over the handling of charitable contributions to the Ram Mandir project.