Key Facts
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday (June 19, 2026) expressed full confidence in the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged embezzlement of funds at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. He urged all parties to avoid making baseless statements that could hurt devotees' sentiments and invited anyone with evidence to present it to the SIT, warning that no guilty person would be spared regardless of their position.
The three-member SIT was constituted by the UP government on June 13, 2026, following a request from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The controversy erupted on June 7 when Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav cited reports claiming that crores of rupees from donations at the temple were missing and urged courts to take cognisance.
Details of the Allegations and Investigation
Speaking in Ayodhya, CM Adityanath said, "At the Trust's request, we have ordered an SIT investigation. I assure you that this probe will bring the absolute truth to light. There is no doubt about that." He added that anyone found guilty would face action. The fund embezzlement row has sparked political sparring between the ruling BJP and opposition parties.
Political Reactions and Accusations
Adityanath launched a sharp attack on the Samajwadi Party and Congress, accusing them of never wanting Ayodhya to gain prominence. He said, "These are the people who fired upon devotees of Lord Ram and wielded lathis against those who chanted 'Jai Shri Ram'. They questioned the very existence of Lord Ram and created every type of hurdle by deploying their lawyers in court to stall proceedings. They should stop lecturing us."
He also targeted Akhilesh Yadav over an incident involving BJP minister Manoj Kumar Pandey, who, while in the Samajwadi Party, had suggested all legislators visit Ayodhya. "However, Akhilesh Yadav immediately put a stop to it. He declared that no one would go to Ayodhya for worship. Rather, they are people who believe in and worship Babar. Consequently, he rebuked Manoj Pandey and expelled him," Adityanath claimed.
Development Projects Inaugurated
On the same day, CM Adityanath inaugurated and laid the foundation for 126 projects worth over ₹378 crore, including a Government Ayurvedic College and Hospital in Rudauli Assembly constituency and a statue of warrior Jhalkari Bai. He said the double-engine government is committed to developing the sacred region between the Saryu and Gomti rivers.
What Readers Should Know
- The SIT probe is ongoing, and the UP government has assured a fair investigation.
- Political parties are using the issue to attack each other; the public should await the SIT findings.
- CM Adityanath emphasized that Lord Ram taught 'Dharma' and urged devotees to wait for 15 days without being misled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SIT probe about?
The SIT is investigating alleged misappropriation of donations received at the Ayodhya Ram temple, following a request by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
Who raised the allegation of fund embezzlement?
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav first cited reports on June 7, 2026, claiming crores of rupees from temple offerings were missing.
What did CM Yogi Adityanath say about the probe?
He assured the probe will bring the absolute truth to light and urged everyone to refrain from baseless comments that hurt devotees' sentiments.
Source: www.thehindu.com