Supreme Court sues Ram temple trust over land scam: Congress

(PTI) New Delhi, Dt

On the second day after AAP leader Sanjay Singh and Samajwadi Party leader Pawan Pandey accused the Ram Mandir Janmabhoomi Trust of corruption in land purchase in Ayodhya, the Opposition, including the Congress, attacked the Modi government and demanded an inquiry into the matter under Supreme Court scrutiny. On the other hand, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said that the Ram temple is a matter of faith for Hindus. The trust should therefore disclose these allegations. Union President Mohan Bhagwat should also speak on the issue.

The Congress had alleged that it was a big scam to misuse funds raised from Ram devotees from across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi should also answer whether the alleged scammers have his protection or not. Congress general secretary and chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewale said the trust was set up on February 9 last year for the construction of a temple to Lord Ram following the directions of the Supreme Court. Millions of devotees from across the country have donated for the construction of the temple. There has been a big scam out of this amount of funds. But the prime minister, who formed the trust following Supreme Court directives, is completely silent. How can BJP leaders commit such fraud in the name of Lord Ram? The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court should take up the matter with Suomoto and the scam should be investigated under the supervision of the Supreme Court. In addition all land purchased by the trust from donations should be valued.

On the other hand, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut should also make an 'explanation' to the Shriram Janmabhoomi Tirth Kshetra Trust and other leaders about the alleged corruption in land purchase by the trust. The construction of the Ram temple is a symbol of his party and the faith of millions of Indians. Raut added that AAP leader Sanjay Singh had spoken to him on Monday morning and he was "deeply shocked" by the "evidence" he presented. Hindus have been fighting for years for the construction of a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya. For some it is a political matter. But the trust should disclose allegations of corruption. Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat was also present at the Bhumi Pujan of the Ram temple. He should also speak on the issue.