AAP launches signature campaign to 'punish' Ram temple donation theft culprits

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal on Friday announced that his party will launch a nationwide signature campaign demanding strict punishment for those accused in the alleged theft of donations at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir, seeking to mobilise people across the country who say they have been hurt by the controversy.

The campaign will formally begin after a Sundar Kaand recital in Delhi on Sunday, with the party describing it as a public movement aimed at urging the Centre to ensure action against those responsible.

Addressing the media, the AAP national convenor said the programme would commence after devotees gather for the religious event at Japanese Park in Rohini to seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman before beginning the signature drive.

According to Kejriwal, the campaign is intended to bring together people of faith from across the country, regardless of political affiliation, to press for accountability in the alleged donation theft case.

"It is the duty of every Sanatan follower to ensure strict punishment for those responsible for donations theft at the Ram temple. We will launch a signature campaign in which every citizen will sign a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating their appeal," Kejriwal said.

He asserted that the initiative would not remain confined to the AAP and would instead involve devotees and citizens who believe those responsible for the alleged irregularities should face stringent punishment.

"Wherever there are bhakts (devotees) of Bhagwan Ram and people of faith who are hurt by these developments, they will all participate," he said.

The party plans to collect signatures through a door-to-door outreach campaign, with letters addressed to the prime minister to be sent after the exercise is completed.

Kejriwal also said thousands of Hanuman Chalisa recitations would be organised in Delhi and other parts of the country alongside the signature drive to build public participation.

"The Modi government is trying to save the people responsible for donation theft at the Ram temple. People must come together against this," Kejriwal said, urging citizens to join the campaign in large numbers.

In a post on X, Kejriwal reiterated his appeal, writing, "The events of the past few weeks show that the Modi government is busy protecting the grave sinners who committed robbery in the Ram temple. These culprits against Sanatan should have been hanged."

The campaign comes amid continuing political debate over financial irregularities in the management of donations at the Ram temple.

The controversy began after allegations of embezzlement were raised by the opposition, claims that were initially denied by the temple trust.

However, a preliminary report by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led to the arrest of eight individuals associated with counting cash and valuables received as offerings at the temple.

The developments were followed by the resignation of Champat Rai as general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

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