New Delhi, India – Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and President of the Indian National Congress, publicly demanded on December 11, 2023, that Prime Minister Narendra Modi address Parliament regarding alleged financial irregularities concerning donations for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Kharge raised the issue during the ongoing winter session of Parliament, calling for a direct response from the Prime Minister.

Kharge’s demand centers on accusations of a "loot of donations" collected for the construction of the Ram Temple. He stated that the Prime Minister should present facts to the House regarding these allegations. The Leader of Opposition emphasized the seriousness of the matter, given the public's emotional and financial contributions to the temple project.

Key details surrounding the demand include:

  • The Allegation: Kharge referred to reports and discussions about significant sums, specifically "crores of rupees," allegedly being stolen from the donations earmarked for the Ram Temple.
  • The Demand: Kharge explicitly called for Prime Minister Modi to "come to the House and tell us what has happened."
  • Parliamentary Context: The demand was made within the Rajya Sabha during the winter session of Parliament, a forum for legislative debate and accountability.
  • Kharge's Role: As the Leader of Opposition, Kharge holds a position tasked with scrutinizing government actions and raising matters of public concern.

The Ram Temple in Ayodhya, currently under construction, has received substantial donations from the public across India and globally. The temple project holds significant cultural and religious importance for a large section of the population, making any allegations of financial mismanagement or theft a sensitive issue.

Kharge's call for a parliamentary explanation underscores an attempt to bring transparency and accountability to the forefront regarding public donations for the temple. While the specific details and sources of the alleged theft were not extensively elaborated upon by Kharge in the initial report, his demand signals a push for the government to provide clarity on the matter.

As of the reporting date, there has been no immediate public statement from the Prime Minister’s Office or the government in direct response to Kharge's specific demand within Parliament regarding the donation theft allegations. The parliamentary session continues, and further discussions or responses on the matter may emerge as proceedings unfold.