Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar on Thursday attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party over the alleged misappropriation of donations made to Ram Mandir, saying that BJP leaders had “looted” funds collected in the name of Lord Ram and demanding a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the matter.
Shivakumar in a speech to reporters accused the BJP of betraying the faith of millions of devotees and claimed the investigation into the reported embezzlement was moving too slowly.
"Earlier there would be boards put up in temples saying, 'Beware of slipper thieves', but now there will be boards that read, 'Beware of hundi (donation box) thieves'," Shivakumar said, taking a swipe at alleged irregularities involving temple donations.
As he added to the criticism, the Karnataka leader said about ₹200 crore had been misappropriated and questioned where the money went.
"BJP has looted in the name of Rama, and the investigation is going on so slowly. It should be probed immediately as to where that ₹200 crore goes," he said.
Shivakumar also alleged that some people in Karnataka had benefited from the alleged diversion of funds.
"Some in Karnataka have also received it. Some of them here have been rewarded for passing the Cow Slaughter Bill; they have been given awards," he said, without naming anyone or presenting any evidence to support the allegation.
Shivakumar expressed anger at the ongoing SIT probe and suggested that the matter be handled by a retired or sitting Supreme Court judge.
"A Supreme Court judge should probe it. SIT is just to fool us. They need to be sent to jail," he said.
The comments come as Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust prepares for a crucial meeting on July 6. According to sources, the trust will discuss the future of two of its senior members, Champat Rai and Anil Mishra.
Sources indicate trustees may consider a proposal regarding the removal of Rai and Mishra. Both of them resigned from their positions on June 27 on "moral grounds," after allegations of the misuse of temple donations emerged and quickly became a major political controversy.
However, the Special Investigation Team investigating the embezzlement has been granted 15 days to proceed. The extension suggests investigators still believe there are areas of the case that need to be investigated before the investigation can be complete.
The allegations have reignited a bitter political battle between the ruling Congress government in Karnataka and the BJP, and the opposition has not yet weighed in on the latest comments of Shivakumar. As the SIT continues its investigation and the temple trust prepares for its July 6 meeting, both the legal and the trust's internal decisions will be closely watched by the public and political.
Note that the above allegations are made by political leaders and are under investigation. No court has established criminal liability for the alleged misappropriation at this stage.
