Key Facts
Shimla, July 7, 2026: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, along with his cabinet colleagues and Congress MLAs, marched on foot to the historic Ram Mandir in Shimla on Tuesday. The visit came amid a raging political controversy over alleged irregularities in donations collected for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. The CM performed rituals, including a havan, and later addressed the media, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of exploiting religious sentiments for political gain.
CM Sukhu's Statement on Faith and Politics
Speaking after the prayers, CM Sukhu said, 'This is a matter of faith for crores of people.' He emphasised that if the allegations of donation mismanagement are true, it is not just about money but an insult to the devotion of millions. He recalled that as a legislator, he had contributed to the temple fund according to his faith. Sukhu also reminded that the state government had declared a public holiday on the day of the Ram Lalla consecration ceremony. Taking a swipe at the BJP, he stated, 'Lord Shri Ram is the centre of faith for crores, and following his ideals is true devotion. Those who truly believe do not politicise God's name.' He prayed that those hurting religious sentiments be granted wisdom.
Congress Leaders' Reactions
Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh shared an emotional post on social media, writing, 'O Raghunandan, we are ashamed. Those who enjoy power in your name are still alive. Those who looted your temple under the guise of saffron, those hypocrites pretending to be Ram bhakt, are still free.' While not naming any party, the post was widely seen as a critique of the BJP. Meanwhile, BJP state president Dr. Rajiv Bindal hit back, accusing Congress of 'opportunistic politics'. He said, 'Congress opposed the Ram temple for years and now changes its stance. This is like the cat that ate 100 mice and then went on Haj.' Bindal questioned the Congress's past record on the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and alleged that the current temple visits are mere political posturing.
Political Fallout and Broader Implications
The Ayodhya donation controversy has intensified political polarisation in Himachal Pradesh. The Congress is trying to reclaim the narrative of faith, while the BJP accuses it of hypocrisy. Former Union Minister Anurag Thakur also slammed Congress, asking it to answer corruption allegations from its tenure instead of making statements on the Ram Mandir. The issue is expected to dominate political discourse in the state in the coming days.
What Readers Should Know
- The controversy involves alleged theft or mismanagement of donations and ornaments at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir.
- CM Sukhu's visit to Shimla's Ram Mandir was a show of solidarity with devotees and a counter to BJP's criticism.
- Both Congress and BJP are using the issue to consolidate their voter bases ahead of future elections.
FAQ
Why did CM Sukhu visit Shimla's Ram Mandir?
CM Sukhu visited the temple amid allegations of irregularities in Ayodhya Ram Mandir donations, to express solidarity with devotees and counter BJP's criticism.
What did CM Sukhu say about the donation controversy?
He said if the allegations are true, it is an issue of faith for millions, not just money, and accused BJP of politicising religion.
How did BJP respond to the Congress visit?
BJP state president Rajiv Bindal accused Congress of opportunistic politics, saying they opposed the temple for years and now seek political mileage.