In a significant administrative development, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has appointed Retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra as its first Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This decision was finalized during a crucial meeting of the Ram Mandir Trust held on Wednesday. While the appointment marks a new chapter in the management of the temple, it has simultaneously triggered a political storm, with the Congress party raising sharp objections over the selection of a military veteran for a religious institution's management.
The Selection Process and Appointment
The process of appointing the first CEO for the Ram Mandir has finally concluded with the selection of Retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra. The decision-making process involved a dedicated CEO Search Committee, which had submitted a shortlist of three potential candidates to the Trust. Also, a supplementary list containing three more names was also provided for consideration. After a thorough evaluation of all the proposed names and their backgrounds, the Trust reached a consensus to appoint Jitendra Mishra to lead the administrative affairs of the temple.
Upon his appointment, Retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra expressed his gratitude, attributing the opportunity to the grace of Lord Ram. He stated that after serving the nation for decades in the Air Force, he now considers it a privilege to serve Ram Lalla, while he emphasized that he would manage the temple's arrangements in a highly positive and efficient manner.
Congress Raises Objections: 'A Job for Saints'
The Congress party has strongly criticized the decision to appoint a retired military officer as the CEO of the temple trust. Congress MP Imran Masood voiced his concerns, suggesting that the RSS and BJP have placed a soldier in a role that traditionally belongs to saints and religious leaders, while masood questioned whether the retired officer had any prior experience in religious rituals or temple management. He remarked that a person who has spent their life flying aircraft should have continued in that field rather than getting entangled in the affairs of the RSS.
Imran Masood further alleged that the RSS is primarily interested in the offerings and funds being collected at the Ram Temple. He stated that the responsibility of worship and temple management should be left to the saints of Ayodhya, who are reportedly raising these demands. He expressed concern that the retired officer might eventually face defamation due to the political nature of the trust's functioning.
Allegations of Cover-ups and Corruption
The criticism didn't stop with Imran Masood. UP Congress President Ajay Rai described the new appointment as an attempt to cover up past wrongdoings within the trust. He labeled those previously associated with the trust's management as dishonest and challenged the new CEO to take action against those involved in the alleged theft of temple offerings, while rai suggested that the appointment is a strategic move to divert attention from existing controversies.
Adding to the criticism, Congress leader Rashid Alvi drew parallels with the government's policy of appointing Supreme Court judges to governorships or the Rajya Sabha, which he claimed creates doubt in the minds of the public. Alvi questioned the connection between a retired Air Chief and the management of a temple. He even raised questions about whether there was a hidden truth behind 'Operation Sindoor' that led to this appointment. Alvi criticized the BJP government and the Prime Minister, stating that such policies could harm the country. He also pointed out that those responsible for alleged financial irregularities at the temple have not yet been identified or arrested.
Who is Retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra?
Retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra brings with him a distinguished career spanning 43 years in the Indian Air Force. A resident of Deoria in Uttar Pradesh, Mishra has held several high-ranking positions, including serving as the Commanding Officer of a fighter squadron and eventually becoming the Chief of the Western Command of the Air Force. One of the highlights of his career was commanding 'Operation Sindoor' last year, where he demonstrated exceptional skill in war management. During this operation, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Adampur base, it was Jitendra Mishra who briefed him on the intricacies of the mission.
For his exemplary service, Mishra has been honored with prestigious awards, including the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and the Vishisht Seva Medal. He retired from the Air Force four months ago, on April 30 2026. Now, as the first CEO of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, he will be responsible for overseeing the vast administrative and logistical arrangements of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.