Nashik: Congress launches statewide agitation over alleged Ram temple donation theft

Nashik: The Congress on Tuesday launched a statewide agitation from Nashik, alleging irregularities in donations collected for the Ayodhya Ram temple and demanded a transparent inquiry into the matter.Led by Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal, party leaders and workers staged a protest at the historic Kalaram temple in Nashik city, seeking accountability from those allegedly involved and announced plans to intensify the agitation across Maharashtra from July 9.Addressing media persons after the protest, Sapkal alleged that several people associated with the ruling establishment were aware of the alleged irregularities, but no action had been taken. He questioned the silence of PM Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath on the issue, claiming that the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe was inadequate and intended to deflect public attention.Referring to the reported resignations of Ram temple trust office-bearers Champat Rai and Anil Mishra, Sapkal alleged that if the accused belonged to tribal, backward-class or minority communities, stricter action would have followed. He questioned when action would be taken against those allegedly linked to the controversy.The Maharashtra Congress chief further alleged that warnings of a cloudburst in Nashik were used to discourage the party’s planned agitation.

Despite adverse weather conditions, the protest was held as scheduled, he said, adding that similar agitations would now be organised across Maharashtra from July 9.“This movement is not against faith or religion. It is a demand for transparency and accountability. Millions of devotees across the country contributed to the Ram temple with devotion and trust. The nation deserves a complete and transparent account of every rupee collected and spent,” Sapkal said.He maintained that Lord Ram symbolises truth, justice and constitutional values, and said transparency in handling public donations was essential to uphold those ideals.“Ram is in our hearts and in our Constitution. Every transaction carried out in the name of Ram must be open to public scrutiny,” he said.Sapkal also underlined the significance of the Kalaram temple as a symbol of social reform and struggles for equality.

He said the venue represented the legacy of satyagraha, recalling movements associated with Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and the principles advocated by Mahatma Gandhi. The agitation, he said, draws inspiration from the ideals of equality, justice and accountability.Congress leaders maintained that their demand was limited to complete disclosure of donation records and a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities, and they would continue agitating until their concerns were adequately addressed.Among those present at the protest were MP Dr Shobha Bachhav, Maharashtra Congress committee senior vice-president Mohan Joshi, Rajaram Panghavane, Nashik Rural South district president Bharat Takekar, Nashik Rural North district president Ramesh Kahandole, city president Bablu Khaire, Dr Dinesh Bachhav, Dnyaneshwar Gaikwad, and several party office-bearers, workers and devotees.