In a dramatic and symbolic display of dissent, the opposition parties staged a unique protest within the Parliament complex on Friday, targeting the government over allegations of donation theft at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, while the protest, which took place at the prominent Makar Dwar of the Parliament House, saw Independent MP Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, donning the attire of a priest. This creative demonstration was aimed at drawing the nation's attention to the alleged financial irregularities and demanding a formal discussion in Parliament regarding the accountability of the funds collected for the temple's construction.
The Symbolic Act at Makar Dwar
The protest began with Pappu Yadav, the Independent MP from Bihar's Purnia constituency, arriving at the Makar Dwar dressed in traditional priestly robes. He took a seat on the ground, embodying the persona of a temple priest. Following this, Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Dimple Yadav placed a 'Daan Patra' or donation box in front of him. The scene was designed to replicate the environment of a temple where devotees offer their contributions, while shortly after the setup was ready, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, approached the donation box and made a symbolic monetary contribution. Several other opposition MPs followed suit, placing money into the box as a mark of participation in the protest.
Allegations of Misappropriation and Theft
The core of the protest was revealed through a specific action performed by Pappu Yadav. As Rahul Gandhi and other leaders deposited money into the donation box, Pappu Yadav was seen taking those funds and placing them directly into his own pocket. This act was intended to symbolize the opposition's claim that donations intended for the Ram Temple were being siphoned off. As he did this, other opposition members surrounded him, chanting slogans such as 'Chor-Chor' (Thief-Thief) and 'Chadhawa Chor' (Theft of Offerings), while through this performance, the opposition sought to illustrate their allegation that the sacred offerings of the devotees were being stolen and mismanaged.
Demands for Accountability and Discussion
The opposition's protest wasn't merely a performance but a demand for legislative action. Following the recent controversies surrounding paper leaks, the opposition has now shifted its focus to the alleged donation theft in Ayodhya. They're demanding a comprehensive debate in Parliament to fix accountability for the missing funds. Awadhesh Prasad, the Samajwadi Party MP from Faizabad (Ayodhya), spoke passionately about the issue, stating that the matter has become a subject of discussion across the entire country. He credited SP chief Akhilesh Yadav for initiating this fight and emphasized that as the representative of the people of Ayodhya, it's his responsibility to carry this struggle forward. Prasad asserted that Ayodhya is the holy land of Lord Shri Ram and any insult to it would be met with firm resistance in Parliament.
Specific Allegations Regarding CCTV and Trust Funds
Adding gravity to the allegations, SP MP Dharmendra Yadav provided detailed claims regarding the nature of the alleged theft. He pointed out that devotees who went to offer donations were often not provided with official receipts. He further alleged that money was being intercepted even before it reached the donation boxes. According to Dharmendra Yadav, CCTV cameras at the counting locations had recorded 70 videos showing irregularities within a few days. However, he claimed that all the old footage was subsequently deleted to hide the evidence. He stated that this symbolic protest was meant to expose the 'open loot' occurring in Ayodhya, which he claims has been ongoing since the trust for the temple construction was established in 2020. He alleged that the money has found its way into the pockets and bank accounts of individuals associated with the BJP, RSS, and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP).
Broader Protests and Resignation Demands
The protest at the Parliament complex wasn't limited to the temple donation issue, while ' In light of these events, the opposition members shouted slogans demanding the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The collective demand from the opposition remains a formal opportunity to discuss these matters on the floor of the House, a request they've repeatedly placed before the Speaker, while the protest concluded with a firm reiteration that the opposition will continue to highlight these issues until transparency and justice are achieved.