Efforts being made to save main accused in Ram temple offerings theft case: Ajay Rai

Ajay Rai, the president of the Uttar Pradesh Congress party, claimed on Sunday (August 23, 2026) that there were attempts to shield the main suspect in the alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Addressing reporters after prayers at Hanumangarhi temple, Rai also warned that the Ram temple would not be allowed to become a hub for trade.

The Congress leader recited the Hanuman Chalisa during his visit to Ayodhya, seeking the deity's intervention against oppression and injustice, stating that Hanuman Ji should use his gada (staff) to decide the fate of the donation thieves. Rai criticized the BJP government's handling of the Ram temple offerings issue, demanding that Hindu religious leaders or Dharmacharyas be appointed as the chief executive officer of the Ram Temple Trust, rather than the current selection process.

He also questioned the appointment process and called for a change in the leadership, hoping Congress would take the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls decision. Rai further targeted the government over inflation, warning of potential agitation across Uttar Pradesh and the country.