Keeping up with UP: Will there be political fallout from Ram Temple donation issue
The alleged irregularities in the Ram Temple donation collection have embarrassed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its network of organisations, or Sangh Parivar, even though its political fallout is hard to predict. The construction of a grand Ram Temple has been a core ideological issue for the Sangh Parivar. (HT PHOTO) A three-member Special Investigation Team was constituted to probe the matter, and all eight accused named in the first information report have been arrested. The houses of the accused were raided, and cash was recovered. Champat Rai, the general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which runs the temple, and Anil Mishra, a trustee, have submitted their resignations. Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav, who has been named as the alleged kingpin, worked as Rai’s driver. The arrested accused also include two of Mishra’s relatives. Despite these actions, the government’s approach has raised doubts about its intent. The construction of a grand Ram Temple has been a core ideological issue for the Sangh Parivar, and its most important slogan, “Jai Shri …
