Pawan Khera Raises Questions Over Ram Temple Trust Allegations, Demands Independent Probe

Jammu, July 10: AICC Chairman of the Media and Publicity Department and Member of Parliament Pawan Khera on Friday addressed a press conference at Rajiv Bhawan, PCC Headquarters, Shaheedi Chowk, Jammu, alleging financial irregularities in matters related to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and demanding an independent inquiry under the supervision of the Supreme Court. Khera was accompanied by J&K Congress Working President Raman Bhalla, Chief Spokesperson and former Minister Ravinder Sharma, former Minister Mula Ram, PCC Treasurer Rajnish Sharma and Jammu Rural DCC President Neeraj Kundan. Addressing the media, Khera alleged that donations collected in the name of Bhagwan Ram had been subjected to “political profiteering” and questioned the accountability of those responsible for managing the Trust’s affairs. He raised three key questions, including who would take responsibility if the Trust was constituted under the supervision of the Prime Minister, why resignations of senior Trust functionaries were accepted if everything was transparent, and why an independent investigation under Supreme Court supervision was being opposed. Khera said millions of devotees, including farmers, workers, women and ordinary citizens, contributed their savings, jewellery and offerings towards the construction of the Ram Temple, and alleged that any misuse of these contributions would amount to a betrayal of public faith. Referring to developments surrounding the Trust, he alleged that the acceptance of resignations of former General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Anil Mishra raised serious concerns. He also questioned the role of other senior Trust functionaries and sought greater transparency in financial matters. Khera further alleged that questions had emerged over donations, receipts, accounting practices and expenditure related to events organised by the Trust. He claimed that accountability should not be limited to lower-level employees and demanded action against all those found responsible. The Congress leader also raised questions over the reported expenditure on major ceremonies associated with the temple and called for a complete forensic audit of donations, offerings, land transactions and expenditures linked to the project. Listing the party’s demands, Khera called for an immediate independent judicial inquiry, registration of FIRs against those found involved in alleged irregularities, dissolution and restructuring of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, and public disclosure of audit findings. “Bhagwan Ram belongs to the faith of millions and not to any political party. Any misuse of contributions made in His name must be investigated and those responsible should face justice,” Khera said.