Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Slams Government Over Ram Mandir Donation Theft Claims

Jagatguru Shankaracharya Jyotishpeethadheeshwar Swami Shri Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Ji Maharaj has launched a scathing attack on the government regarding the alleged donation theft at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Speaking from Rampur, the Shankaracharya expressed deep concern over the integrity of the temple's management, stating that such incidents could lead to a complete loss of faith among Hindus. He specifically targeted the Ram Mandir Trust and its General Secretary, Champat Rai, questioning why the trust remains silent despite what he claims is clear evidence of theft captured on CCTV over a period of 40 days. According to the Shankaracharya, the removal of traditional religious leaders and Shankaracharyas from the decision-making committee was a deliberate move by the authorities to ensure they could operate without oversight or accountability.

Allegations of Mismanagement and Exclusion

The Shankaracharya asserted that the exclusion of religious heads from the temple trust has now led to a situation where the truth is coming to light, while he emphasized that the events unfolding in the court of Lord Ram are deeply regrettable and should never have occurred. By forming a committee that sidelined the Shankaracharyas, the government, in his view, paved the way for the current controversies. He warned that if such practices continue, the trust and devotion of the Hindu community would be severely undermined. The Maharaj insisted that the evidence of donation theft over 40 days is undeniable and demands a transparent explanation from those in charge of the temple's affairs, asking why the trust is trying to speak now when the proof is already out.

Political Stance and Social Issues

Beyond the Ram Mandir controversy, Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand touched upon several other critical issues. Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, he declared that his support would go to whichever political party grants the status of National Mother to the cow (Gau Mata). He also made provocative remarks regarding citizenship in India, claiming that documents like passports and Aadhar cards are no longer sufficient proof of citizenship. Instead, he alleged that a BJP membership certificate has become the primary proof of being a citizen. Also, he addressed the recurring problem of paper leaks in competitive exams, suggesting that affected students should be compensated with 10 to 15 times the amount of their losses. He concluded by stating that this time, the Hindu community wouldn't cast their votes for those he termed as sinners.

CM Yogi Adityanath's Counter-Attack

In response to the political climate surrounding Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a sharp rebuttal against Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, while during a public event in Hathras, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 143 development projects worth 548 crore rupees, the Chief Minister accused the Samajwadi Party of opposing Hindu religious traditions and development. He highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ayodhya has regained its global prominence and is currently witnessing a revival reminiscent of the Treta Yuga, while yogi Adityanath criticized Akhilesh Yadav's recent statements about redefining Ayodhya's identity, questioning the credibility of a party that has a controversial history with the holy city.

The Debate Over Ayodhya's Future

The Chief Minister's remarks were a direct reaction to Akhilesh Yadav's promise to transform Ayodhya into an unparalleled and unique holy city if his party comes to power. Yadav had pledged to establish the Siyaram Dham, where devotees from across the world could experience true spirituality and where the traditional rights of local residents would be restored. However, Yogi Adityanath dismissed these promises by reminding the public of the past actions of the Samajwadi Party government. He alleged that the previous regime had ordered firing on Ram devotees (Ram Bhakts), contrasting that history with the current transformation of the city. The Chief Minister maintained that the rejuvenation of Ayodhya is the result of the hard work of devotees and the vision of the Modi government, ensuring that the city's eternal identity is preserved and enriched.